30 Jun Melting Grounds: Permafrost’s Impact on Climate Change and Ecosystems Disintegration

Elena Karam

School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs, IE University, Madrid, Spain.

Bachelor’s in Business Administration.

E-mail: ekaram.ieu2024@student.ie.edu.

Abstract

Permafrost, which covers about 24% of the Northern Hemisphere, contains roughly half of the Earth’s organic carbon and plays a crucial role in climate regulation. However, rising global temperatures are causing rapid thawing, releasing significant amounts of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, thereby intensifying climate change in a dangerous feedback loop. Beyond contributing to global warming, permafrost thaw disrupts ecosystems, threatens biodiversity, damages infrastructure, and poses health risks, particularly in northern and Indigenous communities. This paper explores the environmental, socio-economic, and cultural implications of permafrost degradation and stresses the urgent need for integrated strategies combining scientific research, policy innovation, and community resilience. It advocates for global climate action informed by a deep understanding of permafrost’ s role in maintaining ecological and societal stability.

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Keywords: Sustainable Development Goal 15, Permafrost, Biodiversity, Greenhouse Gases, Northern Hemisphere, Habitats, Climate Action, Socio-economic Impact, Landslides, Human Safety, Environmental Safety.