Thawing Arctic permafrost releases gases that could increase global warming

The short version

• The Arctic is warming four times faster than the rest of the planet, causing previously frozen ground to thaw.[Associated Press]
• Two studies project emissions from permafrost will add nearly half a degree of warming by century's end.[Associated Press]
• A study co-authored by Sue Natali projects permafrost thaw alongside other warming-induced emissions is likely to increase warming by 20% by 2100.[Associated Press]
• Researcher Kyle Arndt noted that satellite observations have identified over 40,000 slumps across the Arctic landscape.[Associated Press]

Key facts

• The Arctic is currently warming at four times the rate of the rest of the globe.[Associated Press]
• Two studies estimate that gases released from permafrost will contribute nearly half a degree of additional warming by the end of the century.[Associated Press]
• A study co-authored by Sue Natali estimates that permafrost thaw and related warming-induced emissions are likely to raise end-of-century warming by 20%.[Associated Press]
• Satellite data has revealed more than 40,000 slumps across the Arctic, according to Kyle Arndt.[Associated Press]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Heat-trapping gas once frozen in Arctic ground is slowly leaking and warming the planetAssociated Press · Wire: associated-press