The Sahara Desert is the world's largest hot desert. It is located in North Africa. It is considered as one of the driest and hottest areas on Earth. Its average temperature is over 38 °C to 40 °C. The highest officially recorded average high temperature was 47 °C.
Early this week, the red dusty dunes were dominated by white snowflakes near the small Algerian town of Ain Sefra, which lies in the Atlas Mountains on the northern edge of the desert. It is known as the "Gateway to the Saharan Desert." The stunning view of the natural phenomenon was captured by the lens of an amateur photographer, Karim Bouchetata.
"Everyone was stunned to see snow falling in the desert, it is such a rare occurrence," Bouchetata said in a report from The Independent. "It looked amazing as the snow settled on the sand and made a great set of photos. The snow stayed for about a day and has now melted away."
The last time a snow storm felt in Ain Sefra was in the Feb. 18, 1979, it lasted for less than an hour. After almost 40 years, it occured again in a very Instagram-worthy appearance. According to The Daily Caller, " The Sahara Desert has gone through seismic temperature and moister shifts. It is expected to look greener over the next 15,000 years thanks to natural shifts in climate."
Climate change played a vital role in drastically changing the status quo. World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) released an update on its effect. Citing some examples include the Philippines, ranked as one of the most susceptible countries to climate change. World's deadliest typhoons like Haiyan, Thelma, and Ike were experienced in this archipelago.
In Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef ecosystem and a UNESCO World Heritage site. According to a statement by the ARC Centre of Excellence, 93% of the reef is affected by bleaching. It occurs when coral is put under life-threatening condition by the sudden changes of temperature, nutrients and light.
With all the changes going on this planet, the organization is doing its part in promoting actions that can help ease the problem.
