NOAA's Arctic Report Card or other reputable climate science publications

Arctic Tundra Turns Carbon Source Amid Record Global Warming in 2024

Dec 11, 2024, 12:11 PM

The Arctic tundra, once a significant carbon sink, is now emitting more carbon dioxide than it absorbs, exacerbating climate change impacts. This shift has been highlighted in the latest Arctic Report Card released by NOAA, with NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D., stating that the region's warming and increased wildfires are contributing to this change. This development comes at a time when global climate change is intensifying, with 2024 being recorded as the hottest year on record, surpassing previous highs and marking a significant milestone in global warming.