Ancient Frozen Viruses Could Be Released if Permafrost Melts, Warns Russian Diplomat

12/14/2021- 10:11 p.m.

Ancient Frozen Viruses Could Be Released if Permafrost Melts, Warns Russian Diplomat

Russia’s senior official at the Arctic Council Nikolay Korchunov has reiterated warnings of ancient viruses that may be released if global warming melts too much permafrost.

“There is a risk of old viruses and bacteria waking up,” Korchunov said. “Because of this, Russia has initiated a ‘biosafety’ project within the Arctic Council,” he continued, which will assess “risks and hazards” related to “permafrost degradation” and “future infectious diseases.”

Earlier this year Russian scientist Sergey Davydov warned that ancient ecosystems, including viruses, could be brought back to life if permafrost – which covers 65% of Russia’s territory – melts enough.