A new study provides evidence on the economic impact of permafrost degradation on Arctic communities. The thawing of permafrost could cost 261 billion. Permafrost is soil that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years and covers about 24% of the Northern Hemisphere, including large areas of Alaska, Canada and Siberia.
Global warming is causing the thawing and degradation of permafrost. These processes can release previously stored greenhouse gases in the soil and cause significant damage to the infrastructure of communities built on permafrost.
The stability of these communities depends, in part, on the integrity of the frozen soil. When permafrost thaws, the load-bearing capacity of the soil decreases, putting buildings, roads and other essential infrastructure at risk.
