Melting permafrost threatens Norway's Svalbard Airport

The Svalbard Airport in Norway faces imminent collapse due to melting permafrost, threatening its operations and the supply chain for the local community. The airport, the world's northernmost with regular flights, is built on permafrost that is thawing rapidly due to climate change, causing instability in the runway. The Arctic is warming six times faster than the global average, exacerbating the issue. The airport is crucial for supplies to the 2,500 residents. The region is also home to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a vital seed bank safeguarding global biodiversity.