In addition to methane releases adding to the runaway greenhouse effect, continued thawing of permafrost threatens to destabilize transportation, building, and energy extraction infrastructure in Russia’s colder regions. Permafrost, or soil that is permanently frozen, covers about 63 percent of Russia.
“The negative impact of permafrost degradation on all above-ground transportation infrastructure is clear,” Bolov added.
Sources
29 Jul 2011. Russia may lose 30% of permafrost by 2050. AFP