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Permafrost thaw in Siberia could undercut Arctic economic plans

A new study warns permafrost melt could drive higher methane emissions, with impacts by 2050 that may offset 20.0% of the global methane reduction needed to meet climate targets.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Trade & Tariffs

South China Morning Post reports that a rapidly warming Arctic, including thawing permafrost in Russia’s Siberia, may pose a major obstacle to U.S., Russian, and Chinese efforts to develop new Arctic sea lanes and resources.

The story points to Arctic amplification, which is occurring almost four times faster than the global average, triggering faster permafrost thaw across the region. It notes that permafrost thaw can release greenhouse gases and further accelerate warming.

According to a study led by Chinese scientists and published in the peer-reviewed journal Science on August 6, higher methane emissions linked to permafrost thaw and rising Siberian wildfires by 2050 could offset 20.0% of the global methane reduction required to meet climate goals.

The outlet says the findings raise the risk that the massive costs of collapsing ground could outweigh the economic potential that drives competing Arctic ambitions, including efforts to expand shipping and resource development.

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