Heat-trapping gas once frozen in Arctic ground is slowly leaking and warming the planet
Summary
Melting permafrost in the Arctic is releasing methane and carbon dioxide, adding to global warming and destabilizing land across Alaska and other northern regions. Scientists warn the thaw is accelerating and could contribute nearly half a degree of extra warming by the end of the century.
Key Points
- Permafrost across the Arctic is thawing as the region warms faster than the rest of the planet, releasing methane and carbon dioxide trapped for thousands of years.
- Scientists say the emissions from thawing permafrost could add nearly half a degree Celsius of warming by 2100, beyond fossil-fuel emissions.
- The thaw is also causing ground collapse and infrastructure risks in Alaska and other northern areas.
- Researchers say climate projections often fail to include these extra emissions, understating future warming estimates.
