Our permafrost is thawing. Could dangerous pathogens emerge

“It caused very major damage to the ecosystem – basically the loss of species,” Bradshaw said.

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Permafrost generally refers to ground that remains permanently frozen. It’s found under the ice caps, frozen tundras in Canada, Alaska and Russia, and at the tops of the tallest mountains.

About 15 per cent of the land area in the northern hemisphere sits atop permafrost. It’s less common in the southern hemisphere but can still be found in New Zealand and the Antarctic.

The Arctic is…