Thawing permafrost in Alaska's Yukon River is releasing alarming amounts of mercury, posing a significant threat to local Indigenous communities.
Anita Hofschneider reports for Grist.
In short:
- A new study reveals that melted permafrost is releasing more mercury than previously estimated, with serious implications for human health.
- The mercury release could potentially contaminate fish, a critical food source for Alaska Native peoples, though further research is needed.
- The study highlights the broader risks of climate change to both the environment and Indigenous cultures.
Key quote:
“It has that sense of a bomb that’s going to go off.”
— Josh West, professor of earth sciences and environmental studies at USC
Why this matters:
Mercury poisoning is a severe health risk, especially for vulnerable populations like pregnant women and children. The loss of traditional food sources and cultural practices due to contamination could further harm Indigenous communities.
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