World's largest hot desert was once green, filled with rivers and lakes; everything changed due to...

The Sahara Desert, famous for its vast stretches of sand and extreme dryness, might not always remain barren. Scientists believe that a combination of natural climate cycles, climate change, and human intervention could transform this desert into a green landscape once again, according to reports.

Thousands of years ago, the Sahara was not the dry land we see today. It was once filled with rivers, lakes, and grasslands, supporting wildlife and human settlements. This period, known as the African Humid Period, proves that the desert has undergone drastic changes before. 

Ancient rock paintings and archaeological discoveries show that people and animals once thrived in a much greener Sahara.

The Earth's climate goes through natural cycles that influence rainfall and temperature. One such cycle, caused by shifts in the Earth’s orbit, affects how much sunlight different regions receive. Scientists suggest that we may be entering another humid period, which could bring more rain to the Sahara. If this happens, parts of the desert could slowly turn green again.

Interestingly, global warming—usually seen as harmful—might also contribute to this change. Higher temperatures could lead to more evaporation from nearby bodies of water, increasing moisture in the atmosphere. This could result in more rainfall over the desert. However, scientists warn that climate change has many unpredictable effects, and we must be cautious about its overall impact.

While the idea of a green Sahara sounds exciting, it is still uncertain. Scientists continue to study the desert’s past and future to understand whether this transformation is truly possible. If the Sahara does turn green again, it would be one of the most remarkable environmental changes in history.