Pingos may appear cute, but they are in fact a serious cause for concern. Scientists are still trying to ascertain whether they pose a threat, but one thing is certain: they are popping up in unexpected places, a clear indication of the reality of global warming.
In Siberia, Russian scientists have identified 7,000 “alternative pingos” according to The Washington Post. Geophysicist Vladimir E. Romanovsky of the University of Alaska in Fairbanks estimates that there could be as many as 100,000 “alternative pingos” across the entire Arctic permafrost.
The consensus among scientists is that global warming is to blame for the sudden eruptions of pingos. As the Arctic region heats up at a rate twice that of the rest of the planet, the methane gas within the alternative pingos builds up.
The National Academy of Sciences recently published an article about pingos, which was summarized by ScienceAlert as: “Massive Underwater Domes of Methane Look Set to Blow at Any Moment.” If this is true, the consequences for humanity could be dire.
The Middle East and North Africa are already experiencing the effects of global warming, with the region being the “fastest drying in the world.” This has led to drought and conflict, forcing 1.5 million people to flee their homes in search of sustenance. The situation has only been exacerbated by the refusal of some European countries to accept refugees.
It is clear that global warming poses a significant threat to humanity, and that urgent action is needed to address it.
Recent eruptions of perfectly round, smooth craters in the northernmost latitudes have raised questions about the potential threat posed by pingos. While it is too early to know for certain, the emergence of these craters has been linked to anthropogenic global warming. If unchecked, the release of methane from pingos could lead to runaway global warming, resulting in the destruction of agriculture and subsequent starvation for millions.
Methane is much more potent than carbon dioxide when it comes to trapping heat, with the potential to heat the planet up to 1300°F. This is exemplified by Venus, which has a 95% atmosphere consisting of greenhouse gases. Earth is not yet at this point, but the effects of global warming are already being felt. It is essential that steps are taken to prevent further warming and the catastrophic consequences that could follow.
