Arctic temperatures are increasing three times faster than the global average. The impacts of this rapid warming are many, not only locally but globally. They extend from threats to wildlife, indigenous cultures, and economic and energy infrastructure, to alteration of Northern Hemisphere weather patterns, acceleration of global sea-level rise, and Arctic carbon emissions that threaten the chances of meeting global climate-stabilization targets.
This session focuses on a warming-driven phenomenon—the rapid thawing of Arctic permafrost—that is contributing simultaneously to the most vexing of Arctic warming’s impacts both in the region and around the world. This session will target experts and non-experts who are interested in understanding the science and policy issues at the heart of this widely underestimated facet of the global climate-change challenge.
