Permafrost: The Hidden Climate Threat

❄️ Snow is falling in the northern parts of the world. Snow looks magical.
It reflects sunlight back into the atmosphere, acts as insulation, and supports a huge winter sports industry.
The snow also made me think of something important that doesn’t get discussed enough.
There is something hidden under the snow.
It is a frozen layer of soil, ice, and compacted snow. This is called permafrost.
In many places, permafrost has been frozen for thousands of years.

❔ What exactly does permafrost do?

• It is extremely strong — even stronger than concrete.
• It keeps the ground stable and intact.
• Everything inside stays frozen, including plant matter and ancient microbes.
• Nothing can decompose or be released.

🧊 What does permafrost need?

A consistent temperature below 0°C.

🔥 Climate change

• With climate change, permafrost begins to thaw.
• Ice inside melts, loosening the ground, which weakens and breaks.
• Thawed plant material begins to decompose.
• This releases greenhouse gases and frees ancient microbes.

• We know almost nothing about some of these microbes.

You can imagine the disaster when entire villages are built on permafrost.
But danger also affects villages and towns below glaciers.

🏔️ Do you remember Blatten?

Blatten, a small Swiss mountain village, was wiped off the map earlier this year.
A glacier collapsed and buried the village.
The permafrost had weakened, causing a massive landslide.
It carried nine million tonnes of rock.
Thankfully, residents were evacuated a week before.
Other glaciers in Switzerland show cracks. But Switzerland is not alone.

Permafrost is icy glue that holds the ground together.

🙌 What can be done?

• Geologists are monitoring mountain regions with advanced equipment.
• This reduces risk, but we don’t want huge landslides becoming normal.
• We must act on climate change. Small choices matter.
• Eat less meat, especially beef.
• Buy less, reuse more.
• Politicians and big companies need to act too.
• If you work for a large company, ask about sustainability.
• Donate to climate projects.

• Sign petitions that support climate action.

While you are here, have a look at my services to see how I can help you on your eco journey! 

Sources: NASA, National Geographic, The Guardian, NSIDC