Intense wildfires raging above the Arctic Circle have released a significant amount of carbon into the atmosphere, alarming EU scientists. According to the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), the majority of these fires are occurring in the Sakha Republic in Russia’s Far North, where temperatures are much higher than usual due to climate change. The fires, fueled by dry conditions, are tearing through tundra and boreal forests, releasing greenhouse gases from the carbon-rich soil.
More than 160 wildfires have already burned almost 460,000 hectares of land, with estimated monthly carbon emissions reaching 6.8 megatonnes, the third highest in the past two decades. These fires come as no surprise, as the Arctic has experienced a significant increase in extreme wildfires over the last two decades.
The Arctic region is crucial in the fight against climate change, as changes in the local climate have global implications. Gail Whiteman, a professor at the University of Exeter, warns that the increasing risk of Siberian wildfires is a clear sign that the Arctic is approaching dangerous climate tipping points. She emphasizes that urgent action is needed to address these fires and the broader impacts of climate change.
As wildfires in the Northern Hemisphere peak in July and August, it is essential to monitor the situation in the Arctic closely. The fires serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and its devastating effects on the environment. The Arctic, often referred to as “ground zero” for climate change, requires immediate attention to prevent further damage to the Earth’s delicate climate system.
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