Arctic Boreal Region

Arctic Boreal Region: New research has revealed that 40% of the region has transitioned from a carbon sink (absorbing more carbon than it releases) to a carbon source (releasing more carbon than it absorbs).

• About: The Arctic Boreal Zone spans 26 million square kilometers, including tundra, boreal forests, and wetlands.
• Factors Driving the Shift: Longer growing seasons è Increased microbial activity è Higher frequency/intensity of wildfires
• Study Insights: 30% of the region was a net carbon source from 2001-2020, rising to 40% with fire emissions.
• Geographical Distribution of Carbon Source: Alaska (44%)>Northern Europe (25%)>Canada (19%)>Siberia (13%)
• Impact of Warming: Warming temperatures and increased wildfires in the Arctic tundra have caused it to emit more carbon than it stores.

o Permafrost thawing releases vast amounts of stored carbon.

ü It is the process by which frozen ground at the Earth's poles and in cold climates melts and releases carbon and methane into the atmosphere.

• Winter Emissions: Carbon emissions during the non-summer months (September to May) now outweigh carbon absorption during summer (June to August).
• Greening Effect: 49% of the region shows longer growing seasons and increased vegetation, but only 12% acts as a net carbon sink annually.
• Microbial Activity: Thawing permafrost releases organic matter, which microbes decompose and release as CO2, exacerbating global warming.
• Why 12% remains a Sink: Cold temperatures in the non-growing season may prevent photosynthesis but are warm enough for microbes to release CO2.