Scientists warn of catastrophic event unfolding in the Arctic: 'A direct challenge to ... safety, health, and well-being'

One of our planet's fascinating wonders is permafrost, which is soil that is perpetually frozen. 

However, as global temperatures climb higher, that layer — and the people living above it — are in trouble. 

What's happening?

This unique ground feature preserves organisms from hundreds of thousands of years ago and forms the foundation of many human societies built above. 

Yet a global interdisciplinary study from leading climate research institutions found that permafrost in the Arctic is thawing and destabilizing life above, according to EurekAlert, the news platform of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. 

As the press release explained, scientists applied a comparative approach that spanned four different arctic regions across Norway, Canada, Russia, and Greenland. 

Their findings detail a variety of hazards related to the impacts of permafrost melting, including ground instability, infrastructure collapse, disrupted supply routes, the release of toxic contaminants from the ancient ice, poor water quality, and disturbed plants and animals that result in food security challenges as well as cultural losses.  

"Our findings show that permafrost thaw is not only an environmental issue but also a direct challenge to the safety, health, and well-being of Arctic communities," said Dr. Khaled Abass, co-author of the study and environmental health sciences professor at the University of Sharjah.

The full study is published in the journal Communications Earth and Environment. 

Why is permafrost loss important?

Melting ice in the Arctic, whether it's permafrost, glaciers, or ice sheets, has far-reaching consequences for the rest of the planet. Tides get higher during bad storms, which can damage homes and property, and the intricate balance of our food systems can get thrown off. 

Overall, less ice at the poles means the Earth has a harder time regulating its rising temperatures, which are fueling extreme weather events around the globe. 

What's being done to protect impacted communities?

In the study, researchers put a risk analysis framework to the test that drew environmental and societal perspectives together. In doing so, they were able to identify ways to mitigate and adapt to permafrost melt.

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Their hope is that the findings inform the work of sustainable policymaking and community development. 

This study "emphasizes the need for improved urban planning, infrastructure reinforcement, and sustainable resource management," said Dr. Abass.

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