An Arctic-wide survey has revealed that the permafrost region is now emitting more carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere than it absorbs, marking a significant shift in the region’s impact on greenhouse gas levels. The findings indicate that areas of permanently frozen ground in northern regions are contributing to the planet’s warming at an accelerated rate.

The permafrost, which underlies a quarter of the northern hemisphere and holds twice as much carbon as the atmosphere, has reportedly decreased by an estimated 7 per cent over the past 50 years as it continues to thaw. This concerning trend has prompted experts to warn about the implications of the ongoing thaw and its impact on global climate change.

Recent research suggests that while the thawing of permafrost may slow down, it is not expected to halt entirely. This indicates that the region’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions is likely to persist, further exacerbating the effects of climate change.