Earth’s moving green center points northeast as vegetation responds to climate and CO2

Decades of satellite observations show Earth's vegetation forms a moving balance point across continents and seasons, with the global center of greenery migrating northeast as climate change and higher CO2 reshape growing conditions. The shift is dominated by Northern Hemisphere vegetation, has accelerated since 2010, and is linked to longer growing seasons and land management in reliable water regions, while drought and heat can still slow growth. Researchers suggest tracking this moving center could help explain planetary vegetation patterns and improve climate and land-use models.