The surface area of the Earth covered by leafy green vegetation has increased dramatically over the last several decades, thanks to excess carbon emissions. But the green shoots aren't necessarily a good thing; they are harbingers of more worrisome impacts of climate change, like sea level rise and glacier met. The excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has created a greener planet, a new NASA study shows.
Around the world, areas that were once icebound, barren or sandy are now covered in green foliage. All told, carbon emissions have fueled greening in an area about twice the size of the continental United States between 1982 and 2009, according to the study.
While lush forests and verdant fields may sound like a good thing, the landscape transformation could have long-term, unforeseen consequences, the researchers say.
by: Abdul Satar