The melting of permafrost caused by climate warming poses a serious threat to all mankind due to the fact that ancient viruses posing a threat to modern ecosystems can be released from frozen soil and spread across the planet, rg.ru writes.
Scientists studied permafrost samples in Alaska and Greenland, which are 30 thousand years old. More than 100 different types of viruses have been found in them, which retain potential activity. It is especially alarming that they are able to overcome the interspecific barrier.
According to the authors of the study, 15% of the detected pathogens are capable of infecting mammals, including humans.
The climate warming is unlikely to be stopped, and, according to experts, it is necessary to prepare for the most extreme consequences. The authors of the study believe that it is necessary to strengthen the monitoring of the Arctic territories and think about ways to respond to possible outbreaks of ancient infections so that they do not take humanity by surprise.
Alex Shishlo, Editor in Chief of the European Bureau, Rough&Polished
