Russian collaboration freeze impacts permafrost research

The escalating thaw of Arctic permafrost, a critical factor in global climate change, faces research challenges due to a halt in scientific collaboration with Russia, hindering vital data collection and analysis.

Elizabeth Devitt reports for Mongabay.

In short:

The Russian invasion of Ukraine led to a halt in international permafrost research collaborations.
More than half of the Arctic's permafrost, a significant carbon store, lies under Russian territory.
Scientists are seeking alternative methods like remote sensing and proxy sites, but the lack of direct Russian data is a significant setback.

Key quote:

"We need specific measurements, in real time, and it has to happen from people in the ecosystem."

— Ted Schuur, Northern Arizona University

Why this matters:

This disruption hampers the global understanding of permafrost's role in climate change. Accurate data on permafrost thaw and greenhouse gas release is crucial for predicting and mitigating climate impacts, emphasizing the need for international scientific collaboration.

Read: Ukraine, war and our world.

news.mongabay.com

Russian collaboration freeze impacts permafrost research

Brazil publishes first global ‘roadmap’ for phasing out fossil fuels

Why batteries, not gas plants, should be data centers’ first choice

Likely costs for Outer Banks highway over next 50 years 'a staggering number'

Old, polluting jet engines are being scavenged to power data centers

Democrats seize Congress, Statehouses in referendum on the economy

China is leading the clean energy industry. Will it redraw the lines of global power?

To make progress on climate, some farmers won't say 'climate'

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.