Arctic Tundra Shifts from Cooling to Warming as Climate Changes

The Arctic tundra, traditionally a carbon sink, is now emitting more carbon than it stores due to warming temperatures and increased wildfires, according to NOAA's Arctic Report Card. This shift, driven by melting permafrost and intensified wildfires, contributes to climate change by releasing greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide. The report highlights the urgent need for reducing fossil fuel emissions to mitigate these impacts. Additionally, the Greenland ice sheet continues to contribute to sea-level rise, while Arctic wildlife like caribou face challenges due to changing environmental conditions.