1. By: Melissa R

2. What is the issue? The permafrost is melting Greenhouse gases: Methane and Carbon are being released Methane and carbon traps the heat in our atmosphere

3. How does the issue relate to weather? The weather will be warmer The temperature of the summer will increase

4. How does this issue relate to climate change? As carbon dioxide is being released, it is heating up the earth more The atmosphere is warming up; therefore melting more permafrost Dangerous cycle

5. What is the evidence that this issue exists? The amount of Carbon in our atmosphere has doubled since the dawn of the industrial age Scientists researching the Siberian Lakes

6. The relevant chemistry concepts involved. Methane is a greenhouse gas that has 20 to 25 times more warming power than carbon dioxide Formed in cold temperatures and under high pressures conditions Methane has about 7.5 to 400 billion tons of carbon- equivalent Methane molecule:

7. Who or what does the issue affect the most and how? The earth’s atmosphere The plants and animals in northern lands Humans will not bet able to survive in very hot temperatures

8. Why should we care about this issue? The earth atmosphere will warm up too much Scientists realized that the melting of arctic permafrost is a serious situation that they need to consider

9. What can we do about this issue? STOP using/burning fossil fuels Try to plant more trees

10. Citations: Borenstein, Seth. "Study: Thawing Permafrost Will Worsen Global Warming." USA Today. Gannett, 30 Nov. 2011. Web. 25 May 2012.. Gillis, Justin. "Popping the Cap on Arctic Methane." Green Blog. 21 May 2012. Web. 24 May 2012.. Gillis, Justin. "TEMPERATURE RISING; As Permafrost Thaws, Scientists Study the Risks." The New York Times. The New York Times, 17 Dec. 2011. Web. 24 May 2012.. "Permafrost In a Warming World." Melting Permafrost. Web. 25 May 2012.. "Service Interruption." NSIDC Press Room: Thawing Permafrost Will Accelerate Global Warming in Decades to Come, Says New Study. 16 Feb. 2011. Web. 30 May 2012.. "What YOU Can Do for Your Children's Sake." Planet Extinction. Web. 03 June 2012..