Permafrost: A Frozen Minefield in the Northern Hemisphere

• Main Authors: Nikitaki, Chadoula Evangelia, Moustou, Areti
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Hellenic Association of Political Scientists (HAPSc) 2022
• Subjects: Permafrost; Climate Change; Carbon Dioxide; Global Warming; Northern Hemisphere; Canada; permafrost
• Online Access: https://ejournals.epublishing.ekt.gr/index.php/hapscpbs/article/view/31002

Some of the world’s biggest countries have areas covered by permafrost, among them Russia, the United States, Canada and China. Permafrost, the soil that was once considered permanently frozen, has been thawing fast while releasing carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. This paper explains what permafrost is and analyses the impact of its subsidence. Official reports from governments and prestigious international organisations were examined along with resources from scientific journals. Notably global warming is amplified, economy is at risk by infrastructure failure and human health is endangered by the hidden diseases inside permafrost. Furthermore, this paper, apart from identifying the significance of the problem, provides possible solutions to counter permafrost thawing and ensure the safety of the people. Suggestions are being proposed, among them, the establishment and funding of permafrost scientific networks and permafrost insurance for the directly affected people.