KEEP UPS
Microplastics and riverbeds (3/15/18)
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-43363545
Microscopic plastics are beginning to litter the riverbeds across the UK. Microplastics are everywhere along the banks according to scientists from the University of Manchester. There is some evidence that these small plastics are making their way into the food chain. The scientists are wanting to investigate where exactly these microplastics are coming from.
Researchers gathered samples prior to 2015 and 2016 winter floods. When they returned to the riverbeds and took their samples again, they found that 70% of the microplastics had been washed out. The rivers are able to be washed out but eventually all of these plastics will find its way into our oceans.
Researchers gathered samples prior to 2015 and 2016 winter floods. When they returned to the riverbeds and took their samples again, they found that 70% of the microplastics had been washed out. The rivers are able to be washed out but eventually all of these plastics will find its way into our oceans.
trouble for forests (3/8/18)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/07/climate/forests-storms-climate-change.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fscience&action=click&contentCollection=science®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront
In September when hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, it left a humanitarian catastrophe that they are still having to recover from. Not only that but they also had massive amounts of destroyed land. The winds of the hurricane had ruined the mountains with their tall leafy trees. Their slopes are now open to the sky.
Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of disasters caused by extreme weather. Researchers that have been analyzing the Puerto Rican forests have been gathering information to have a better understanding of how severe weather will begin to shape our forests and how they effect the amount of carbon that forests pull out of the atmosphere. When a forest is damaged, dead vegetation will eventually decompose and release the stored carbon back into the atmosphere.
Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of disasters caused by extreme weather. Researchers that have been analyzing the Puerto Rican forests have been gathering information to have a better understanding of how severe weather will begin to shape our forests and how they effect the amount of carbon that forests pull out of the atmosphere. When a forest is damaged, dead vegetation will eventually decompose and release the stored carbon back into the atmosphere.
Europe colder than north pole (3/1/18)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/01/climate/polar-vortex-europe-cold.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fscience
Subfreezing temperatures have spread throughout Europe. In Rome there was snow for the first time in about six years. Britain and Ireland have experienced crazy wind and snow storms. The North Pole was above the freezing mark in the dead of winter which is not normal. Temperatures were around 35 degrees Fahrenheit which was 50 degrees above normal and 78 degrees warmer than in some parts of Norway.
The Polar Vortex is shrinking which is what is allowing cold air to escape. Researchers are still trying to figure out why the warming of the Arctic is causing the Polar Vortex to weaken. Arctic sea ice is already beginning to melt before the end of winter.
The Polar Vortex is shrinking which is what is allowing cold air to escape. Researchers are still trying to figure out why the warming of the Arctic is causing the Polar Vortex to weaken. Arctic sea ice is already beginning to melt before the end of winter.
cameras on polar bears (2/1/18)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/01/climate/polar-bear-cameras.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fclimate
Studies that have been tracking polar bears in Alaska have found that they are burning off their fat supply rather quickly due to a lack of food. These bears can lose up to 4 pounds of fat per day. As global warming melts the ice, polar bears are having to travel farther and farther in search of food such as seals. They would normally venture out to Arctic sea ice to be able to do this.
Spring is a critical time for polar bears to eat as much as they can to put on the necessary weight they'll need during the summer months. Because of the diminishing amount of sea ice, it is difficult for them to find seals and their pups. The more energy it takes for them to find food, the more fat they burn off.
Spring is a critical time for polar bears to eat as much as they can to put on the necessary weight they'll need during the summer months. Because of the diminishing amount of sea ice, it is difficult for them to find seals and their pups. The more energy it takes for them to find food, the more fat they burn off.
florida exempted from coastal drilling (1/18/18)
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/10/climate/coastal-drilling-florida-exempt-zinke.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fscience&action=click&contentCollection=science®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke decided to exempt Florida from the new Trump administration plan to open up most of the nation's coastline to offshore drilling. This was a sudden and an unexpected change of plans. Critics have pointed out that this change illustrates the clumsiness of the Trump administration when drafting federal policies.
Because Florida has been exempted, a number of other states have asked to be exempted too. Attorney General, Xavier Becerra, of California tweeted, "California is also 'unique' and our 'coasts are heavily reliant on tourism as an economic driver' our 'local and state voice' is firmly opposed to any and all off shore drilling." States such as New York and New Jersey have asked to be exempted too. Florida has been treated differently than all other states and no one sees this as a good thing.
Because Florida has been exempted, a number of other states have asked to be exempted too. Attorney General, Xavier Becerra, of California tweeted, "California is also 'unique' and our 'coasts are heavily reliant on tourism as an economic driver' our 'local and state voice' is firmly opposed to any and all off shore drilling." States such as New York and New Jersey have asked to be exempted too. Florida has been treated differently than all other states and no one sees this as a good thing.
firefighters working hard on ca fires (12/14/17)
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/12/14/latest-fire-crews-make-progress-ahead-wind-increase.html
As of the date in which this article was published, this fire was recorded as the fourth largest in California history. The article mentions three deaths, two of them were firefighters and 46 race horse deaths. This fire is extremely dangerous and has led to many evacuations. Firefighters are slowly containing this fire but it is still spreading fast.
The best thing that people can do is send provisions to areas affected by the fires. Many people have been left without a home or have been seriously injured.
The best thing that people can do is send provisions to areas affected by the fires. Many people have been left without a home or have been seriously injured.
Fires in l.a. (12/7/17)
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/06/us/california-fires.html
The fire that has been blazing in southern California has targeted an area very dear to many people's hearts. In the Bel-Air neighborhood of Los Angeles more fire was spotted. This is near iconic landmarks like the UCLA campus and the Getty Museum. This fire has been destroying anything and everything in its path.
It has been California's worst fire season. This is due to the weather the state has been having. Homes continue to be burned and the air is terrible. School's have been shut down as well as certain roadways.
It has been California's worst fire season. This is due to the weather the state has been having. Homes continue to be burned and the air is terrible. School's have been shut down as well as certain roadways.
Ban on glitter (11/30/17)
http://www.fox32chicago.com/news/dont-miss/scientists-call-for-global-glitter-ban-to-save-environment
This popular craft supply has been called damaging. Scientists have been urging it to be banned globally to stop the damage. Glitter is made up of a bunch of tiny plastic particles. It is able to get into waterways and in the way of animals that consume the glitter. Professor Richard Thompson discovered that a third of fish caught in the United Kingdom contained plastic particles in them.
To stop this problem, people may want to consider to stop purchasing glitter from stores for their crafts. Yes it may be nice for ones artwork but it is definitely not nice for the environment. Cut down on the glitter use. |
Pollution in Delhi (11/16/17)
http://www.cnn.com/2017/11/14/asia/india-bad-air-delhi-slum-dwellers/index.html
Delhi, the Indian capital, has a massive pollution problem. The air quality is hazardous. Lots of the problems that cause the pollution are not regulated. Parliament is attempting to tackle the pollution. The ones who suffer the most from this air problem are the poor. Delhi's pollution is caused by a mixture of vehicle exhaust, smoke from garbage fires and crop burning.
All of the reasons for the air pollution can be cut down. The poor are who suffer the most. To prevent the inhalation of the toxic air, masks are recommended. However, most of the population cannot afford to use their money for a mask and the government does not issue out free ones. This air quality has been a problem for Delhi for about three years and needs to be taken care of sooner than later by putting regulations on burning and vehicles.
All of the reasons for the air pollution can be cut down. The poor are who suffer the most. To prevent the inhalation of the toxic air, masks are recommended. However, most of the population cannot afford to use their money for a mask and the government does not issue out free ones. This air quality has been a problem for Delhi for about three years and needs to be taken care of sooner than later by putting regulations on burning and vehicles.
Trump Reverses Biotech Rules(11/9/17)
http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/11/trump-s-agriculture-department-reverses-course-biotech-rules
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) withdrew a plan to overhaul how it regulates biotechnology products. Some of these products include genetically engineered crops. The original proposal made in January was to clarify whether and how the agency would oversee plants made through new genetic technologies.
The proposal also changed certain gene-edited products from the GE definition. To know if a GE product would be regulated it would take a lot of time. "The proposal also gave the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) the new responsibility of evaluating plants for their potential to become noxious weeds that could damage crops, livestock, agriculture, public health, or the environment."
The proposal also changed certain gene-edited products from the GE definition. To know if a GE product would be regulated it would take a lot of time. "The proposal also gave the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) the new responsibility of evaluating plants for their potential to become noxious weeds that could damage crops, livestock, agriculture, public health, or the environment."
Sacramento Could Flood (11/2/17)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/a-massive-storm-flooded-houston-experts-say-californias-state-capital-could-be-next/2017/10/29/e48bf9ea-ae9f-11e7-9e58-e6288544af98_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-top-table-main_floodfears-925pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.c836fe0780ac
Houston, TX had suffered terrible flooding this past year. There is a chance that this could happen in California as well. Although mostly dry with many wildfires taking place across the state, California's capital may have a flood. If a levee failure happens, there could be up to 20 feet of flooding. The levees and other flood defenses in the central valley have needed billions of dollars in repairs. Days before Hurricane Harvey slammed into Texas and flooded Houston, a report from the California Department of Water Resources warned that "many flood facilities [in the Central Valley] face an unacceptably high chance of failure."
Thousands of homes could be at risk of flooding if the system were to fail. If a levee were to break along the American River, which empties into the Sacramento River near downtown, water would start flowing into the city. Citizens of the Central Valley must take precautions and do everything that they can to help build a stronger more stable flood facility.
Thousands of homes could be at risk of flooding if the system were to fail. If a levee were to break along the American River, which empties into the Sacramento River near downtown, water would start flowing into the city. Citizens of the Central Valley must take precautions and do everything that they can to help build a stronger more stable flood facility.
Right Whales Facing Extinction (10/26/17)
http://www.pressherald.com/2017/10/25/right-whales-could-become-extinct-in-less-than-quarter-century-scientists-warn-after-spate-of-deaths/
The North Atlantic Right Whale is endangered and could face extinction in the predicted year of 2040. The summer and fall of 2017 have lead to the death of sixteen Right Whales. The entire species has an estimated population of 450. Lots of the deaths took place in areas where these whales don't normally go to. At the rate that the Right Whales are dying, the female population could be wiped out in roughly 23 years. Many of the females that find themselves entangled in fish ropes are found to less likely have calves. The ratio between deaths and births is not equal. There are not enough births to make up for the lost lives of these whales.
To help prevent more whales from dying, lobster and crab fisheries must focus on making ropes less deadly and ultimately developing ropeless traps. Ships are also a cause of the deaths and sailors should be careful. The sooner humans take action to protect this species the better.
To help prevent more whales from dying, lobster and crab fisheries must focus on making ropes less deadly and ultimately developing ropeless traps. Ships are also a cause of the deaths and sailors should be careful. The sooner humans take action to protect this species the better.
Shallow Reef Systems and Worldwide Change (10/19/17)
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/10/171018151845.htm
Climate change affects the distribution of marine life in our oceans. Scuba divers have been making studies on the possible outcomes of this problem. They believe that in due time, marine life that prefer warmer waters will begin to spread past the current range of water they tend to swim in.
As these fish move farther away from the equator, there will most likely be a decline in invertebrates such as crabs, lobsters, and sea urchins. Changes will begin to spread around the marine ecosystems. These changes will affect human activities such as fishing |
Yellowstone Supervolcano (10/12/17)
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/10/science/yellowstone-volcano-eruption.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fscience&action=click&contentCollection=science®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=5&pgtype=sectionfront
This article by Shanon Hall goes over the problem America may soon have to face due to a problem that is constantly growing. This ever growing problem is the supervolcano located beneath Yellowstone National Park. If this volcano were to erupt, it would blanket the sky in thick ash which would ultimately leave us with a much colder environment and a drop in our food supply. A graduate from Arizona State University, Hannah Shamloo and one of her colleagues, decided to conduct an experiment by analyzing trace crystals from the remains of one of Yellowstone's past eruptions. "As the crystals grew outward, layer upon layer, they recorded changes in temperature, pressure and water content beneath the volcano". With this knowledge, scientists can see just how quickly an eruption may occur.
Knowing the history of large eruptions is very beneficial to us and we should take that knowledge very seriously. If there may be this supervolcano eruption in the future, our nation should prepare for a food shortage. "The odds of Yellowstone, or any other supervolcano, erupting anytime soon are small". However, it is still beneficial to begin to prepare for the worst that may happen because of this supervolcano being located in the middle of the country where the majority of grains and corn are grown. These products not only serve to feed the human population but livestock as well. The eruption of the volcano could be deadly.
Knowing the history of large eruptions is very beneficial to us and we should take that knowledge very seriously. If there may be this supervolcano eruption in the future, our nation should prepare for a food shortage. "The odds of Yellowstone, or any other supervolcano, erupting anytime soon are small". However, it is still beneficial to begin to prepare for the worst that may happen because of this supervolcano being located in the middle of the country where the majority of grains and corn are grown. These products not only serve to feed the human population but livestock as well. The eruption of the volcano could be deadly.
Whales & Warm Waters (10/5/17)
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/02/science/humpbacks-right-whales.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fscience&action=click&contentCollection=science®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=9&pgtype=sectionfront
This article I found written by Karen Weintraub explains the behavior of whales. The whales that the article mentions specifically are the humpback whale and the North American right whale. These whales are beginning to die off causing their population to shrink. Scientists believe that with the increasing temperature of the ocean, these whales are having to leave their usual feeding areas to look for food elsewhere. But with migration comes many dangers. These whales are at risk of becoming entangled in fishing nets or hit by boats. Scientists have been trying to track the whales to gather information about their population and figure out why these marine mammals are dying. Most whale carcasses have shown plenty of boat damage.
I believe we should be trying harder to prevent these sorts of things from happening. Those who work on boats should be more cautious about where they sail and be on the look out for these whales. Global warming has been a large issue that the world has been having to deal with. More actions should be taking place to try and fix the problem. These are constantly going to be getting worse for all of the environments on the planet. We should be doing everything in our power to save them.
I believe we should be trying harder to prevent these sorts of things from happening. Those who work on boats should be more cautious about where they sail and be on the look out for these whales. Global warming has been a large issue that the world has been having to deal with. More actions should be taking place to try and fix the problem. These are constantly going to be getting worse for all of the environments on the planet. We should be doing everything in our power to save them.
Panda Habitat Endangered (9/28/17)
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/25/science/pandas-habitat-china.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fscience&action=click&contentCollection=science®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=8&pgtype=sectionfront
This article by Douglas Quenqua goes on to talk about the habitat of pandas. Pandas were once considered to be going extinct. For the longest time they were on the endangered species list. As of last year in 2016 they were declared no longer endangered. Unfortunately, data has showed some bad news. 40 years of satellite data has been analyzed to reach the conclusion that the pandas habitats are now endangered. Climate change as well as other factors are destroying the pandas homes.
It has taken years for the panda population to reach the point that they are at now. They were endangered for a very long time and may ultimately become endangered again. As care takers of the environment, we as humans must help to end this problem. There are ways we can limit the amount of carbon going into the atmosphere. We can also stop fragmentation in China. By doing this we may be able to save the pandas habitats and keep their population increasing and keep them away from the endangered species list.
It has taken years for the panda population to reach the point that they are at now. They were endangered for a very long time and may ultimately become endangered again. As care takers of the environment, we as humans must help to end this problem. There are ways we can limit the amount of carbon going into the atmosphere. We can also stop fragmentation in China. By doing this we may be able to save the pandas habitats and keep their population increasing and keep them away from the endangered species list.
Interior Department and National Monuments (9/21/17)
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/09/18/climate/bears-ears-changes-monuments.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fclimate&action=click&contentCollection=climate®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=2&pgtype=sectionfront
rock formations at Gold Butte National Monument in Nevada
The Six Shooter Peaks at Indian Creek inside Bears Ears National Monument in Utah
This article by Julie Turkewitz, Nadja Popovich and Matt McCann discusses how Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke made a proposal to Trump to make changes to 10 different national monuments. These national monuments include 1. Bears Ears, Utah 2. Gold Butte, Nevada 3. Grand Staircase-Escalante, Utah 4. Cascade-Siskiyou, Oregon and California 5. Pacific Remote Islands, Pacific Ocean 6. Rose Atoll, Pacific Ocean 7. Katahdin Woods and Waters, Maine 8. Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks, New Mexico 9. Rio Grande del Norte, New Mexico 10. Northeast Canyons and Seamounts, Atlantic Ocean. Zinke wants to change the monuments in some shape or form. Many people disagree with his proposals. As of right now, no one knows what Trump will decide on. Lawsuits from environmental groups will most likely await him if he decides to act on Zinke's recommendations.
I believe that what the Interior Secretary is proposing will destroy lots of beautiful land. There is a reason for these laws that have been set in place. Most of these laws are there to protect these habitats and historical places. Instead of creating more destruction, we as humans should be doing more to protect these places. Instead of being selfish and only looking out for ones own self, our leaders in office should continue to preserve or national monuments so that generations to come will be able to enjoy them.
I believe that what the Interior Secretary is proposing will destroy lots of beautiful land. There is a reason for these laws that have been set in place. Most of these laws are there to protect these habitats and historical places. Instead of creating more destruction, we as humans should be doing more to protect these places. Instead of being selfish and only looking out for ones own self, our leaders in office should continue to preserve or national monuments so that generations to come will be able to enjoy them.
HURRICANE'S WASH UP CREATURE (9/14/17)
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/18/us/unearthed-irma-harvey.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fscience&action=click&contentCollection=science®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=21&pgtype=sectionfront
The article by Jacey Fortin explains some of the things that have been washed up onto the shores of Texas and Florida after hurricane Harvey and Irma. In Florida, a carved out canoe was found. The age of the canoe is unknown. In Texas, a fangtooth snake-eel which usually hides in underwater burrows was washed up on shore. Also in Texas, many grave sites were dug up because they were not deep. Turtles in Florida were pushed back onto shore as well. Turtle programs have had to bring in many sea turtles. Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has been releasing their protected turtles back into the wild.
What grabbed my attention the most in this article was the sea turtles. Sea turtles already struggle with reaching the ocean after being hatched and it feels as though these little guys just could not catch a break. It is a good thing that Florida cares so much for their turtles. It's also great news to hear that most of the turtles were unharmed after being washed back onto the shore.
What grabbed my attention the most in this article was the sea turtles. Sea turtles already struggle with reaching the ocean after being hatched and it feels as though these little guys just could not catch a break. It is a good thing that Florida cares so much for their turtles. It's also great news to hear that most of the turtles were unharmed after being washed back onto the shore.
FIRES ABLAZE IN THE WEST (9/7/17)
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/wildfire-weary-western-us-coughs-late-season-surge-49673121
This article by Steven Dubois gives insight on the various states that are being affected by the wildfires located in the west of the United States. The author has information from individuals from six states, those states being Oregon, Montana, Utah, California, Washington, and Idaho. These fires that have consumed hundreds of thousands of acres were completely unexpected. Experts had believed that because of the wet winter this past year, fires would not be such a big threat this summer. These fires go to show that one must never assume anything, especially when it comes to natural disasters. Not only has these fires destroyed forests and homes, these fires has also caused the air to be polluted with smoke. All together this wildfire season has "...ended up one of the worst in U.S. history in land burned".
As someone who lives in one of the six states being affected by these fires, I know personally how bad the conditions are. I spent this past Labor Day weekend up in the mountains a little while away from Yosemite National Park. As I was making my way down the mountains towards the Sonora area I could see this thick brown, grey cloud sitting in the air. I could see the affects of the smoke quite clearly. Not only was the air visibly disgusting but the setting sun was a bright red and not like its usual color. Through my years of science classes I know that the reason for this was because of the pollution/smoke. Living in the California valley makes it hard to escape the pollution however, one should still be careful and drink lots of water and avoid heavy exercise/labor when the air quality is very bad.
As someone who lives in one of the six states being affected by these fires, I know personally how bad the conditions are. I spent this past Labor Day weekend up in the mountains a little while away from Yosemite National Park. As I was making my way down the mountains towards the Sonora area I could see this thick brown, grey cloud sitting in the air. I could see the affects of the smoke quite clearly. Not only was the air visibly disgusting but the setting sun was a bright red and not like its usual color. Through my years of science classes I know that the reason for this was because of the pollution/smoke. Living in the California valley makes it hard to escape the pollution however, one should still be careful and drink lots of water and avoid heavy exercise/labor when the air quality is very bad.
HARVEY & CHEMICALS (8/31/17)
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/31/us/texas-chemical-plant-explosion-arkema.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=span-abc-region®ion=span-abc-region&WT.nav=span-abc-region
The article by Julie Turkewitz, Henry Fountain, and Hiroko Tabuchi goes on to explain some of the damage that hurricane Harvey has had these past few days. Recently the massive amounts of flooding caused explosions at a chemical plant owned by the French chemical company Arkema. According to the article, "The Arkema plant has been identified as one of the most hazardous in the state". The chemicals being stored at the plant needed to be kept refrigerated but due to the flooding, refrigeration was not possible. There are predictions that more explosions will follow which will cause more chemicals to be released into the surrounding area.
Hurricane Harvey has caused serious damage in the great state of Texas. No one could predict just how bad this hurricane was going to get. Personally I believe the plant should have taken more precautions. Because the Arkema plant knew that there could be explosions, the plant should have done more to prevent that very thing from happening. The plant has had a history of not following laws that are made specifically to protect people. Hopefully the future explosions that are predicted to happen do not cause major health risks.
Hurricane Harvey has caused serious damage in the great state of Texas. No one could predict just how bad this hurricane was going to get. Personally I believe the plant should have taken more precautions. Because the Arkema plant knew that there could be explosions, the plant should have done more to prevent that very thing from happening. The plant has had a history of not following laws that are made specifically to protect people. Hopefully the future explosions that are predicted to happen do not cause major health risks.
ALASKAN PERMAFROST (8/24/17)
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/08/23/climate/alaska-permafrost-thawing.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fclimate&action=click&contentCollection=climate®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront
This article by Henry Fountain explains the troubles that permafrost is creating in Alaska. In Alaska, permafrost is found in most of the state. Now, due to climate change, the always-frozen ground is beginning to thaw. Scientists have been studying the Alaskan terrain trying to find answers as to when and how much of the permafrost will thaw. Specifically in this article, they have been gathering data from a location 350 miles south of the Arctic circle. Here, as well as other places around Alaska, the temperatures have begun to rise and cause even more thawing. Ultimately this will only lead to more global warming and more thawing of permafrost.
The thawing of the Alaskan permafrost has some severe consequences for the world. Thawing of permafrost leads to the emission of carbon dioxide and methane gas which is released into the atmosphere and causes even more global warming. Because permafrost is always-frozen ground and is now beginning to melt, land is starting to sink as well. Shorelines are caving into bodies of water. Depressions are forming randomly in the ground where permafrost has melted into puddles. This act has ruined many Alaskan environments and will only continue to do so.
The thawing of the Alaskan permafrost has some severe consequences for the world. Thawing of permafrost leads to the emission of carbon dioxide and methane gas which is released into the atmosphere and causes even more global warming. Because permafrost is always-frozen ground and is now beginning to melt, land is starting to sink as well. Shorelines are caving into bodies of water. Depressions are forming randomly in the ground where permafrost has melted into puddles. This act has ruined many Alaskan environments and will only continue to do so.