Climate change could destroy far more Arctic permafrost than expected — which worsens climate change – The Washington Post
Article Synopsis – A new study suggests climate change could cause another 4 million square kilometers, or about 1.5 million square miles, of permafrost to disappear with every additional degree Celsius, or 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit, of warming. The loss of more permafrost would release more methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas. That could worsen a dangerous climate feedback loop in the Arctic, whereby increased emissions cause greater warming and greater warming causes faster thawing of permafrost, which then releases more emissions. The resulting methane emissions would be a major concern not just for the Arctic, but the global climate as a whole. Other consequences of thawing permafrost, including a softening and sinking of the ground, which can damage roads and buildings, could also affect greater areas of land. To read the actual article click here.