Ancient microbes from Alaskan permafrost release carbon as they revive

Ancient microbes revived from permafrost are releasing carbon. Scientists have reactivated microbes frozen for 40,000 years, which then began emitting carbon dioxide. This process, observed in Alaskan permafrost samples, indicates a potential acceleration of the greenhouse effect as Arctic temperatures rise. The study highlights that the duration of warmer seasons, not just peak temperatures, determines when these ancient microbes become fully active, releasing significant amounts of greenhouse gases.