Critical CO2 stores held in permafrost are being released as the landscape changes with global heating, report shows

Summary

A new study published in Nature Climate Change reveals that over 30% of the Arctic’s land ecosystems, including permafrost, wetlands, and boreal forests, now emit more CO2 than they absorb due to rising temperatures.

This shift, exacerbated by wildfires, marks the end of millennia of carbon storage in the region.

The Arctic holds nearly half of Earth’s soil carbon, which is being released as warming accelerates permafrost thaw and decomposition.

Scientists warn this permafrost-carbon feedback amplifies global heating and demands urgent monitoring and climate action.