The Arctic tundra, long considered a critical carbon storage ecosystem, is now emitting more carbon than it captures, according to the 2024 Arctic Report Card released by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This alarming shift is attributed to rapid warming and increased wildfire activity in the region.

“The Arctic tundra, which is experiencing warming and increased wildfire, is now emitting more carbon than it stores, worsening climate change impacts,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad. He emphasized that this transition exemplifies the urgent need to address fossil fuel pollution to mitigate climate impacts.

For the 11th consecutive year, the Arctic has warmed faster than the global average, currently heating at four times the global rate. Rising temperatures stimulate plant growth, which can temporarily absorb carbon, but also accelerate the thawing of permafrost. As frozen soil melts, decomposing organic matter releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere.

The report highlights that 2024 recorded the second-highest wildfire emissions in the Arctic Circle. Fires not only release carbon but also strip away insulating soil layers, further accelerating permafrost thaw. The interplay of these factors has led to the Arctic transitioning from a carbon sink to a source.

“High-latitude wildfires are intensifying, increasing both the area burned and the carbon emissions associated with these blazes,” noted the report.

Dr. Sue Natali, a scientist at the Woodwell Climate Research Center and lead contributor to the report’s chapter on carbon emissions, stressed the importance of understanding Arctic carbon dynamics. “We need accurate, holistic, and comprehensive knowledge of how climate changes affect carbon storage and release in the Arctic to effectively address this crisis,” she said.

The report also underscores the urgent need for adaptation strategies. Twila Moon, lead editor of the Arctic Report Card, pointed out the vulnerability of Indigenous communities to these rapid environmental shifts. “Indigenous Knowledge and community-led research programs can inform successful responses to rapid Arctic changes,” Moon added.

The findings underline the pressing need for global efforts to address climate change, particularly in regions experiencing the most rapid transformations. As the Arctic continues to warm, its role in the global carbon cycle remains a pivotal factor in shaping climate outcomes worldwide.