Satellite images show Antarctica turning green at a ‘shocking’ rate

Scientists warn it could be vulnerable to invasive species as greening has accelerated by more than 30% in five years

An enhanced satellite image of Robert Island in the Antarctic Peninsula showing vegetated areas in green. While soil is almost non-existent in Antarctica, an increase in plant life will add organic matter and allow soil to form. Picture: WorldView-2/DigitalGlobe/PA 

Parts of Antarctica are turning green faster than expected with vegetation cover in these areas now 10 times more than it was four decades ago, scientists have said.

The Antarctic Peninsula — a 1,300km stretch of land in the northernmost part of the continent — could become vulnerable to invasive species as a result, researchers have warned.