The Sahara Desert is turning green

From dry to downpour

Photo collage of the Sahara desert and greenery
More vegetation than normal is growing in the Sahara Desert
(Image credit: Illustration by Julia Wytrazek / Getty Images)

The Sahara Desert, located in West Africa, is the largest hot desert in the world. While deserts are traditionally characterized by a dry climate with low levels of vegetation, the Sahara has been much greener than usual as of late — mainly due to climate change.

From brown to green

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Devika Rao, The Week US

 Devika Rao has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022, covering science, the environment, climate and business. She previously worked as a policy associate for a nonprofit organization advocating for environmental action from a business perspective.