Permafrost is a layer that is made up from soil, gravel, sand, or sediment that has been frozen continuously for a minimum of two years. Permafrost makes up 24% of the exposed surface of the Northern Hemisphere. it can found in the Arctic regions of Siberia, Canada, Greenland, and Alaska. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimate that by the mid-21st Century, permafrost in the Northern Hemisphere will decline by 20-35%.
When it melts down, the organic matter within it begins to decompose and release carbon and methane among other gases which exacerbates the greenhouse effect and global warming. In addition to releasing carbon and methane upon thawing, permafrost also releases potentially dangerous substances like mercury and anthrax. Mercury can not only pollute the ocean but disrupt the ecosystems with it and cause serious harm to the food chain there. Mercury is also toxic to humans and can cause death. Thawed Permafrost can also expose people to anthrax, this especially happens in Siberia.
The melting of permafrost also affects coastal cities and areas. Melting permafrost can cause a rise in sea level which can increase the severity of hurricane flooding into coastal areas. The damage of Coastal Cities/Areas can also affect those areas financially. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is left to dole out billions of dollars to help the affected areas rebuild and recuperate but these areas choose not to take precautions and cause the Federal Government to have to pay for the damages again. This places a bigger burden on the taxpayer because the government raises taxes to compensate for the amount of money spent on repairing the damaged coastal areas.
Arctic areas built on top of layers of permafrost are affected an inordinate amount by its melting.As the permafrost in arctic cities thaws, the grounds begin to buckle, sink, and decompose as the temperatures continue to rise rapidly. In Canada, Nunavut and Russia, the permafrost issue has led to the destruction of many dozens of homes that were built atop the grounds.
When it melts down, the organic matter within it begins to decompose and release carbon and methane among other gases which exacerbates the greenhouse effect and global warming. In addition to releasing carbon and methane upon thawing, permafrost also releases potentially dangerous substances like mercury and anthrax. Mercury can not only pollute the ocean but disrupt the ecosystems with it and cause serious harm to the food chain there. Mercury is also toxic to humans and can cause death. Thawed Permafrost can also expose people to anthrax, this especially happens in Siberia.
The melting of permafrost also affects coastal cities and areas. Melting permafrost can cause a rise in sea level which can increase the severity of hurricane flooding into coastal areas. The damage of Coastal Cities/Areas can also affect those areas financially. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is left to dole out billions of dollars to help the affected areas rebuild and recuperate but these areas choose not to take precautions and cause the Federal Government to have to pay for the damages again. This places a bigger burden on the taxpayer because the government raises taxes to compensate for the amount of money spent on repairing the damaged coastal areas.
Arctic areas built on top of layers of permafrost are affected an inordinate amount by its melting.As the permafrost in arctic cities thaws, the grounds begin to buckle, sink, and decompose as the temperatures continue to rise rapidly. In Canada, Nunavut and Russia, the permafrost issue has led to the destruction of many dozens of homes that were built atop the grounds.
One of the best ways humanity can do to prevent further melting of permafrost is to reduce our carbon footprint. Reducing our carbon footprint would help slow the Greenhouse Effect. One notable way to do so is investing in energy-efficient products or alternative energy sources. Another way of reducing our carbon footprint is supporting Climate-friendly businesses, legislation, and policies.
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