In this engaging discussion, Anna Verkula, a lead researcher focusing on the Arctic's carbon cycle, shares alarming insights about how 30% of the Arctic is shifting from being a carbon sink to a carbon source. She highlights the increasing wildfires and microbial activity contributing to this change. The conversation also delves into innovative methods for producing ammonia sustainably using geothermal energy. Additionally, the significant rise in fatal landslides in 2024 is investigated, tying it to climate change and emphasizing the urgent need for climate action.
The Arctic is shifting from a carbon sink to a carbon source due to rising temperatures and increased wildfires, severely impacting ecosystems.
The record number of fatal landslides in 2024 highlights the growing dangers of climate change-related extreme weather events affecting global regions.
Deep dives
The Arctic's Changing Carbon Dynamics
The Arctic region is experiencing alarming changes due to global warming, with temperatures rising four times faster than the global average. This warming is leading to increased emissions of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, from the ecosystem, particularly due to wildfires in Canada and Siberia. Research indicates that while plant growth can temporarily absorb carbon dioxide, the decomposition caused by warmer conditions and the aftermath of wildfires are creating a significant imbalance, releasing more carbon than the ecosystem can sequester. Currently, over 30% of the Arctic Boreal region is identified as a carbon dioxide source, highlighting the urgent need to address climate change to prevent further disruptions in carbon cycling and the health of these ecosystems.
Record Landslides Induced by Climate Change
In 2024, the world witnessed a record number of fatal landslides, largely attributed to increased rainfall driven by climate change, leading to 766 recorded fatalities. Historically, the number of such events ranges from 350 to 550 annually, making this year's increase particularly concerning. The geographical distribution of these landslides was notably wider, with significant occurrences reported not only in Asia but also in regions like eastern Africa and Central America. This rise in landslides correlates with extreme rainfall events, highlighting how climate-related changes are exacerbating the risks associated with natural disasters.
Innovative Ammonia Production from Geothermal Sources
Researchers at MIT have developed a groundbreaking method for producing ammonia using geothermal energy, providing a more sustainable alternative to traditional processes that heavily rely on fossil fuels. This innovative approach involves extracting hydrogen from underground rocks that have been reacting with water, thus eliminating carbon dioxide emissions associated with conventional ammonia production. The system is designed to pump water into the earth, where it interacts with specific rock types to produce ammonia, showing potential for large-scale applications in the future. This method could revolutionize fertilizer production and help meet global demands while reducing environmental impact.
Thirty per cent of the Arctic is switching from carbon sink to carbon source. But could future fertilizer be made deep underground using less resources? Also, how and perhaps why globally 2024 had the highest number of fatal landslides in over 20 years, and an unexpected sound from space prompts a re-evaluation of how the earth’s magnetic field interacts with the environment around it.
Presenter: Roland Pease
Producer: Alex Mansfield
Production co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth
