The heat sweeping Siberia / Canada in the summer of 2020 led
to an increase in the release of methane from limestones, which,
according to scientists, will lead to the explosion of a "methane
bomb" in the Earth's atmosphere. A new study by experts from
the University of Bonn found that extreme heat resulted in a
"temperature anomaly" of +6 degrees Celsius, compared to the
1979-2000 average.
As a result, since June 2020, an increase in the concentration
of methane in the earth's crust has been observed in two extended
areas of the region: in the Taimyr fold region and on the outskirts
of the Siberian platform. At the same time, during 2021, as the
study showed, methane spread in the earth's crust more and more
widely throughout the region.
The researchers compared the spatial and temporal distribution of
methane concentrations in the air of northern Siberia with
geological maps to draw their conclusions. According to a study
in April 2021, approximately 15% of the Northern Hemisphere,
or 11% of the entire globe, is covered by permafrost. If this part
of the planet continues to melt, it could have catastrophic
consequences in terms of rising temperatures.
In July 2020, a group of experts found that the increasing melting
of permafrost could lead to the fact that thawed microorganisms
will release 40 billion tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
more than before. Methane is known to contribute 80% more
warming than carbon. Thus, very soon the planet will suffocate
and heat up like Venus.
In a new declaration published in the journal BioScience, the
researchers note that since the 2019 declaration, the Earth has
experienced an "unprecedented surge" in climate-related natural
disasters. According to scientists, 2020 was the second hottest year
on record. And earlier this year, the concentration of carbon dioxide
in the Earth's atmosphere was higher than at any time since
measurements began. In an extensive effort, the researchers relied
on "vital signs" to measure the health of the planet, including
greenhouse gas emissions, glacier thickness, sea ice extent and
deforestation. The results showed that out of 31 signs, 18 reached
record highs or lows.
