The Himalayan mountains are known for Mount Everest and their snow-capped peaks, but with our changing climate, our picturesque views may soon be painted green.

Satellite studies have suggested that as the earth warms, vegetation growth in our high-latitude areas is increasing. Karen Anderson of the University of Exeter led a team to study the subnival ecosystems – those between the tree and snow lines upon mountains – in the Himalayas. Their 25-year study, ending in 2018, showed significant vegetation increase. The most dramatic changes were in areas 5000 – 5500 metres above sea level. Anderson suggests this change could have impacted the carbon and water cycles of residents living downstream.

Other research has also found increases in high-latitude vegetation growth, however this has previously been attributed to the increase of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. This new study however, suggests that temperature is a growing factor. While the direct impact effect of temperature needs further evaluation, it is considered to have caused increased greening due to the lengthening growing seasons.

However, some people suggest other environmental factors may mediate the growth of vegetation elsewhere, despite the rise of climate change. The northern wetlands, for example, exhibit water-logged soil which would be unsuitable for the growth of vegetation. The soils of the arctic tundra are also unsuitable for vegetation growth, as a result of being nutrient poor.

The extent to which we should be prepared to see greenery in areas we once thought impossible is being debated. The increasing temperatures, though, are clear. Our snow-capped mountains are warming. Will we see green on once bare land?