Warming risk of red snow

AN algae that turns snow red is speeding up climate change, scientists warned.

The pigment from coldloving plant Chlamydomonas nivalis cuts Arctic glaciers’ ability to reflect sunlight.

This creates a vicious circle as extra meltwater fuels more growth.

Red snow led to a 17% increase in melting, Alaska Pacific University, Anchorage, found. Prof Roman Dial said ignoring the effect “risks underestimating rates of warming”.