Arctic Tundra’s Carbon Release Crisis

 The Arctic tundra, a cold, treeless region that has historically stored vast amounts of carbon, is changing due to climate change. However, rising temperatures are now causing it to release greenhouse gases, notably carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4).

Carbon Storage in the Arctic

The Arctic tundra has acted as an important carbon sink for thousands of years. Cold temperatures slow the decomposition of organic matter, allowing plant and animal remains to become trapped in permafrost. This permafrost can remain frozen for over two years. Scientists estimate that Arctic soils contain more than 1.6 trillion metric tons of carbon, which is double the amount found in the Earth’s atmosphere.

Effects of Rising Temperatures

The Arctic is warming at a rate four times faster than the global average. The year 2024 is recorded as the second warmest since 1900. As temperatures rise, permafrost thaws, activating soil microbes. These microbes break down organic material, releasing CO2 and CH4 into the atmosphere.

The Role of Wildfires

Wildfires in the Arctic have increased dramatically. The year 2023 marked the worst wildfire season on record, with 2024 following closely behind. These wildfires contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and further accelerate permafrost thawing. The combined effects of warming and wildfires have led to a scenario where the tundra is releasing more carbon than it can absorb.

Experts suggest that reversing this trend is possible through reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions. Lower emissions could slow permafrost thawing and lessen carbon release. However, recent studies indicate that global CO2 emissions are still on the rise, primarily due to fossil fuel consumption and deforestation. Recently, CO2 emissions are projected to reach 41.6 billion tons, up from 40.6 billion tons in 2023, denoting the urgency for immediate action.

website: popularscientist.com

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