The tundra is on fire. And we’re next, say the scientists.
In 2007, lightning struck the Arctic tundra at a place called Anaktuvuk, setting it ablaze. This was formerly impossible, because the mixed lichen and very hardy plants were always too moist to burn. But global warming has helped dry out the frozen landscape, leaving us perilously close to a thaw that will send enough greenhouse gases to heat up the world to terminal levels.
Beneath the permafrost in the polar wastes are enormous deposits of methane and other forms of carbon. If the melt continues, the accumulated gases may drive up Earth’s temperatures at an unsustainable (and unstoppable) level.
The fire at Anaktuvuk released more carbon in a single go than is emitted in two years by a city the size of Miami
So, please: no more jokes about flatulent cows.
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