Greenland: According to a new study, Over 7,500 lakes in western Greenland have turned brown, emitted carbon, and lost water quality due to extreme weather events in 2022.
o Impact of Extreme Weather: Thawing permafrost released carbon, iron, magnesium, and other elements, turning lakes from carbon sinks to CO2 sources.
o Cause: Warmer temperatures caused fall snow to turn into rain, and atmospheric rivers brought excessive rain and heat, speeding up changes in lakes.
o Rapid Change: Transformation of the lakes occurred in months, usually taking centuries.
o Impact on Water Quality: Increased organic carbon changed lakes' color, odor, and taste, affecting drinking water quality and possibly producing carcinogenic by-products.
o Impact on Phytoplankton: Reduced sunlight hindered phytoplankton's carbon absorption, leading to a 350% increase in CO2 emissions from the lakes.
o Broader Significance: Declining carbon absorption by natural sinks signals worsening climate change impacts.
o Rising Carbon Emissions: Global carbon dioxide emissions are projected to reach 41.6 billion metric tonnes in 2024.
o Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and also part of the North American continent.
Climate: Polar climate with winter temperatures as low as -50°C and summer temperatures rarely exceeding 10–15°C. Temperature variations occur due to its large size.