The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) latest report warns of reducing Arctic permafrost due to escalating global warming, potentially leading to the release of powerful greenhouse gases including methane and carbon dioxide. This report highlights the pressing need for immediate climate action on a global scale.
Understanding Permafrost
Permafrost refers to any ground that has remained entirely frozen at or below 32°F (0°C) for at least two continuous years. These permanently frozen grounds predominantly occur in high mountain regions or nearer the Earth’s polar areas. Approximately 15% of the planet’s land area is covered in permafrost. Interestingly, permafrost regions are not always snow-clad. Large expanses of permafrost are commonly called tundra, a term derived from a Finnish word which means a treeless plain. Tundra is characteristic of high latitudinal and altitudinal locations with a thin active layer of permafrost.
Risks Associated with Thawing Permafrost
Thawing permafrost poses multiple risks, prompting serious concern.
Impact on Infrastructure
Countries where infrastructure such as roads and buildings have been erected on permafrost will be significantly affected by its thawing. This presents a considerable challenge to engineering in these regions.
Greenhouse Gas Release
Permafrost traps and freezes organic material within the ground. However, when this frozen ground starts to thaw, the material becomes accessible for microbial decomposition, which can result in the release of either carbon dioxide or methane, depending on the environment. Methane is particularly concerning as it is 25 to 30 more potent a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.
Carbon Storehouse to Carbon Emitter Transition
Some permafrost areas, previously acting as carbon storehouses, have transitioned into net carbon emitters due to thawing.
Forest Fires and Carbon Stock
An increase in forest fires, as recently observed in Russia, poses a risk to carbon stock restoration. Post-fire, forests usually regenerate within half a century or so, effectively restoring the carbon stock in the ecosystem. However, in tundra landscapes, the peat containing the organic material takes much longer to accumulate. Consequently, if peat burns and releases carbon into the atmosphere, it may take centuries to restore that ground-level carbon stock.
Potential for Emerging Pathogens
Changing environmental conditions might also lead to the evolution or development of new bacteria or viruses, increasing the risk of emerging diseases.
Action Steps to Protect Permafrost
Addressing the issues posed by melting permafrost requires urgent and decisive action.
Halt Rapid Climate Change
To mitigate climate change and preserve permafrost, global CO2 emissions must be reduced by 45% within the next decade and reach zero beyond 2050.
Slow Down Erosion
An article in the scientific journal Nature proposed constructing a 100-metre-long dam in front of the Jakobshavn glacier in Greenland, which has been severely impacted by Arctic melting, to curb its erosion.
Create Artificial Icebergs
An award-winning project by an Indonesian architect, Refreeze the Arctic, involves collecting water from melted glaciers, desalinating it, and refreezing it to create large hexagonal ice blocks.
Manufacture More Ice
Some researchers suggest manufacturing more ice by pumping water from beneath the glacier using wind power. This water would then be spread over the upper ice caps to freeze, strengthening their structure.
Raise Public Awareness
Even though the tundra and permafrost beneath it may seem distant, individual lifestyle choices significantly impact climate change. By reducing our carbon footprint, investing in energy-efficient products, and supporting climate-friendly businesses, legislation, and policies, we can collectively contribute to the preservation of the world’s permafrost and avoid a vicious cycle of continuous global warming.
