Arctic Tundra Now Emits More Carbon Than It Absorbs: Climate Feedback Loop Accelerates
The 2024 Arctic Report Card reveals the Arctic tundra, warming at up to four times the global rate, is now a net source of carbon dioxide due to increased wildfires and permafrost thaw. These wildfires, intensified by climate change, release significant carbon emissions and accelerate permafrost thaw, further exacerbating the problem. The Arctic’s shift from carbon sink to source worsens climate change impacts globally, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive understanding and action. Circumpolar wildfire emissions average 207 million tons of carbon annually, highlighting the severity of the situation. This drastic change signals irreversible damage to Arctic ecosystems and broader global consequences.
John Q. Hosedrinker