Permafrost – the big problem of climate change

Permafrost is nothing more than frozen ground. It may seem at first glance that this is of no consequence, but the reality is that in the future, with the rise in average global temperature and its thawing, it could have catastrophic consequences for the future of our planet.

Inside the permafrost, very high doses of methane and carbon dioxide are locked up in the permafrost. carbon dioxide which are gradually being released into the atmosphere due to the thawing of the ground, further contributing to the increase in global temperature.

This soil is made up of two distinct layers, the mollisol, which is the most superficial layer and the one that freezes and thaws most easily. And the permafrost, which is the deepest layer.

In which parts of the world is permafrost found?

Currently about 20% of the Earth’s land surface is in a state of permafrost, mostly in Arctic countries such as Canada, Russia, Norway…

What happens if the permafrost melts?

The main problem of melting permafrost is that about 2 trillion metric tons of organic carbon would be released into the atmosphere. These gases act in the greenhouse effect. They are able to retain part of the energy emitted by the ground due to solar radiation, which leads to an increase in temperature.

The problem with this is that it forms an almost endless cycle, because if the temperature rises due to the release of the gases, this temperature rise will lead to further melting of the soil, releasing even more gases into the atmosphere.

Scientific studies have concluded that a 2°C increase in global temperature could thaw about 40% of the planet’s permafrost. This would lead to the disappearance of hundreds of the planet’s ecosystems.

What are the consequences of its thawing?

The consequences for ecosystems and humans are very diverse.

• Soil instability
• Changing climatic conditions and ecosystems for hundreds of species.
• Resurgence of virus and bacteria that were dormant due to their frozen state, which can again become a problem for humans.
• Rising global temperature
• And a rise in sea levels that could cover several coastal cities around the world.

So what can be done to minimise the effects?

Although the endless cycle has already begun, there are always things that can be done to try to minimise its effects. The main solution is to reduce the use of fuels, and to reduce the use of fuels that are used in the production of energy. fossil fuels and avoiding the poaching that takes place in many countries. So we can all do our bit to minimise the irreversible effects of thawing permafrost from our own small spot on the planet.