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ArchiveLesson #155Science

Permafrost Thawing Poses Climate Risks

Heatwaves and wildfires threaten permafrost, releasing carbon. This could accelerate climate change significantly.

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Standard version (B1-B2)

Standard: natural English

is permanently frozen ground found in places like Siberia and Alaska. It contains a vast amount of , which is released when the ground thaws due to heatwaves and . This release of dioxide and can greatly worsen climate change, making it a serious concern for scientists.

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Narration includes the headline and summary.

Adapted from The Guardian, 20 August 2026, and rewritten at three levels by Newslish. Newslish is not affiliated with the source. Read the original.

Key vocabulary

  • permafrost

    ground that is frozen all year round

    Permafrost is found mostly in Siberia and Alaska.

  • carbon

    a chemical element that is essential for life

    Carbon is released into the atmosphere when permafrost thaws.

  • methane

    a greenhouse gas that is more potent than carbon dioxide

    Methane is released when organic matter in permafrost decays.

  • tipping point

    a critical threshold that, when exceeded, leads to significant change

    The permafrost regions are approaching a tipping point.

  • wildfires

    large, uncontrolled fires that spread rapidly

    Wildfires can accelerate the thawing of permafrost.

Quick quiz

01What does permafrost contain that is a concern for climate change?

02What can wildfires do to permafrost?

03Who is the climate professor mentioned in the article?

04How much carbon does permafrost store?

Answered 0 of 4

Discussion

What actions can be taken to mitigate the risks of permafrost thawing?