Parts of the Arctic tundra are now emitting more greenhouse gases than they absorb due to thawing permafrost.

A new study in Nature Climate Change reveals that parts of the Arctic tundra are now emitting more carbon dioxide and methane than they absorb, due to thawing permafrost. This shift, covering about a third of the Arctic-boreal region, could accelerate global warming as long-dead plant matter decomposes and releases greenhouse gases. The findings suggest that the Arctic-boreal zone no longer absorbs a significant amount of carbon emissions, highlighting the need for better accounting of these emissions in climate change mitigation efforts.

2 months ago
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