The Arctic tundra is experiencing a dramatic shift due to increasing wildfires and warming temperatures, turning it into a net source of carbon dioxide emissions. Historically, the tundra acted as a carbon sink, but NOAA’s 2024 Arctic Report Card highlights this alarming reversal.
The report, which documents the Arctic’s second-warmest year on record since 1900, underscores the dangerous feedback loops that amplify climate change impacts. NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad emphasized that the Arctic’s carbon emissions will worsen global climate change.
The report, with contributions from the Woodwell Climate Research Center, reveals that the Arctic has been warming faster than the global average for over a decade, now reaching up to four times the global rate. This warming accelerates two opposing processes: enhanced plant growth that absorbs carbon dioxide and the thawing of permafrost that releases stored carbon as carbon dioxide and methane. The net effect, however, is a significant increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases.
Arctic Tundra Becomes Carbon Source as Warming and Wildfires Trigger Alarming Climate Feedback LoopsClimate change also intensifies high-latitude wildfires, which have become more frequent, severe, and carbon-intensive. Wildfires release carbon from burned vegetation and organic soils while stripping away protective soil layers, further accelerating permafrost thaw. NOAA data shows that circumpolar wildfires have released an average of 207 million tons of carbon annually since 2003, compounding the Arctic’s role as a source of greenhouse gas emissions.
Scientists stress the need for accurate, large-scale measurements of Arctic carbon dynamics. Dr. Sue Natali from the Woodwell Climate Research Center highlighted the importance of understanding how much carbon the Arctic emits versus stores to address this crisis effectively. Meanwhile, Dr. Brendan Rogers noted that recent measurement advancements are uncovering the significant cumulative impact of increased wildfire activity and permafrost thaw on atmospheric carbon levels.
The implications of these findings extend far beyond the Arctic. Brenda Ekwurzel of the Union of Concerned Scientists warned that the Arctic’s transition to a net carbon source could accelerate global climate crises. She described this development as an irreversible tipping point with severe consequences for ecosystems and communities worldwide. The Arctic’s transformation underscores the urgent need for global climate mitigation and adaptation strategies.