Recently, some scientists in Norway stumbled upon something surprising buried under the permafrost: it’s not just ancient diseases hiding down there. Instead, they found an alarming potential source of greenhouse gas that could speed up climate change.
What Did They Discover?
According to ScienceAlert, researchers have detected significant amounts of methane gas in 50% of the test wells drilled by energy companies in Svalbard, the place that hosts the northernmost town in the world.
Thomas Birchall, the lead researcher, recounted that the drillers heard unusual bubbling noises from the well, prompting them to investigate further. They equipped simple alarms to detect deadly methane levels, which reacted immediately when brought close to the well.
This groundbreaking research appears in the esteemed journal Frontiers.
Why is This a Big Deal?
Scientists aren’t entirely sure how much methane seeping from permafrost, but if it breaks through its frozen barriers, it could hinder global temperature control efforts. According to ScienceAlert, this could push us well past the limit of 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit above pre-industrial temperatures.
Right now, carbon dioxide is the leader among heat-trapping gases, making up 65% of the gases responsible for global warming, based on information from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Although methane’s presence is much lower at about 16%, a study from the US Geological Survey indicates that this gas, being 28 times more potent than CO2, contributes around 25% of climate warming.
Increasing global temperatures are already tied to issues like food shortages, disease spread, and extreme weather situations; they’re also causing permafrost to weaken.
How Can We Protect Our Permafrost?
The continued reliance on dirty energy sources like gas, oil, and coal is the leading cause of recent temperature spikes. Switching to solar energy can not only benefit the planet, but also help your bank account.
If making such a drastic change isn’t feasible for you right now, consider simpler steps. For example, replacing your incandescent bulbs with LEDs can keep about 5,000 pounds of carbon pollution out of our atmosphere over ten years.
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Scientists alarmed by bubbling sounds from deep within Arctic ice: ‘We decided to have a look'” first appeared on The Cool Down.
