An international team of six researchers from Norway, the United Kingdom, and Sweden has published a crucial study in the scientific journal Nature Climate Change, revealing that the amount of permafrost that will be lost with each degree of global warming is alarming: it represents an area larger than India.
Permafrost, the layer of soil that remains frozen for at least two years and covers nearly 15 million square kilometers of the planet's surface, is weakening as a result of global warming.
Large amounts of carbon dioxide are stored in permafrost. carbon, which poses a serious problem today. As the planet warms, this ice sheet begins to thaw, leading to the decomposition of the organic material trapped in it. When it decomposes, greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and the methane, two of the main culprits of rising global temperatures.
To reach this conclusion, the researchers examined how this ice layer changes across the landscape and its relationship to temperature. They then investigated what might happen if global temperatures rise further. With this data, they created a permafrost distribution map that allowed them to calculate the amount that would be lost if global temperatures could be kept from rising more than 2 degrees Celsius.
The findings of this study show that permafrost is more susceptible to global warming than initially thought: stabilizing the climate at 2ºC above pre-industrial levels would involve thawing more than 40% of the current areas covered. If this were to occur, the approximately 35 million of people living in these regions would have to adapt to new realities, as roads and buildings could collapse.
Implications of thawing permafrost
The thawing of permafrost not only has climate implications; it also profoundly affects local communities and human health. Infrastructures that are considered stable until now, such as housing and roads, can become unstable. For many communities that depend on these structures, this represents a direct risk to their well-being. to maximise security and your enjoyment. y people's wellbeing.
In addition, thawing leads to the release of methane, a greenhouse gas significantly more potent than carbon dioxide. Methane has a global warming potential of approximately 28 times greater than CO2 over a 100-year time horizon. new challenges for public health are evident as these gases continue to be released, underscoring the relationship between the global warming and the health of communities.
The situation is even more complex because the permafrost is also dragging with it various its chemical substances y waste, some of which are toxic. The release of polluting materials such as mercury, trapped in ice and soil, can have devastating repercussions for wildlife and human health, affecting water supplies and the environment. food safety.This puts the future of permafrost at risk. and the communities that depend on their natural resources.
Therefore, it is essential to consider how the melting ice in the Arctic influences the global context and local communities. In this sense, they are particularly serious.
The impact on human health
The relationship between permafrost and human health is crucial, as thawing can affect water quality. drinking waterInfrastructure collapse and the release of toxic waste are factors contributing to the deterioration of public health. Furthermore, melting permafrost can also release ancient pathogens and dangerous, which could pose a threat to public health.
According to scientist Susan M. Natali of the Woodwell Climate Research Centre, communities must shore up their homes several times a year due to ground subsidence. This represents a drastic change in their way of life and raises questions about how to adapt to an increasingly climate-neutral environment. unstable and low risk of Global warming effects.
As previously frozen rivers and lakes are no longer navigable, communities face a greater challenge in accessing food and other essential resources. There has also been an increase in cases of enfermedades mosquito-borne infections due to changing climate conditions, placing a greater burden on local health systems. This phenomenon highlights how the global warming can be a determining factor in the spread of these diseases.
The curiosities about global warming and its effects are becoming increasingly evident, highlighting the urgency of finding efficient solutions. In this context, the shocking images show the magnitude of the warming.
Adaptation and long-term solutions
In response to these challenges, local communities and climate experts are working on adaptation strategiesSome of the proposals include the relocation of villages, building more resilient infrastructure, and implementing climate monitoring programs that include collecting data on permafrost thawing.
The integration of indigenous knowledge is also being considered in adaptation strategies. Local communities have a deep understanding of their environment and can offer valuable perspectives on how to adapt to the changes they are experiencing. This approach is vital to addressing the challenges of the climate change in Greenland.
Scientific research in permafrost
Permafrost research has increased significantly in recent decades, thanks to advances in technology that allow for more detailed and precise monitoring. Researchers can now study the depth of permafrost, its composition and how it responds to temperature fluctuations.
According to a study by the CALM network, permafrost temperatures are rising, and this has profound consequences for the ecosystem and the communities that depend on these frozen lands. It is estimated that this increase could have disruptive effects on the regulation of the water cycle, soil health and biodiversity local, which reinforces the need for a immediate action against global warming.
Research initiatives are being supported by International institutions, and are being carried out in collaboration with Indigenous peoples to ensure that local and scientific knowledge are combined in the search for effective solutions. In addition, records of Arctic climate are essential to understanding the changes.
The global role of permafrost in climate change
Permafrost plays a crucial role in regulating the global climate. It stores approximately twice as much carbon as atmosphere, and its thawing can release enormous amounts of gases that further exacerbate global warming. It is vital that the international community understand the importance of preserving permafrost and act in a coordinated manner to mitigate its effects.
An effective strategy must include not only the reducing carbon emissions, but also concerted efforts to monitor and protect fragile ecosystems at risk due to thawing. Public policies must be approached from a perspective that considers the interconnectedness between permafrost, climate, and the livelihoods of vulnerable communities. In this regard, the boreal forest it also plays an important role.
The decisions we make now have the potential to influence the health of the planet and the stability of communities for generations, so every action counts. To better understand the Global warming effects, it is important to continue researching in relation to the Global warming and its impact on permafrost.
The future of permafrost and global change
Projections indicate that if decisive action is not taken, we could lose between 25% and the 75% of the permafrost in the coming 100 yearsThis melting would not only affect the climate, but would also have social, economic, and public health repercussions.
The transition towards a more sustainable economy needs to be accelerated. The opportunities presented by renewable energy and sustainability must be fully exploited to ensure a future in which permafrost and the communities that depend on it can thrive. It is crucial that the consequences for the oceans are considered in this whole equation.
As we continue to face the challenges of climate change, it is crucial to remember that every little bit counts in the fight for a healthier and more sustainable future, not just for the Arctic, but for the entire planet.