Why climate change should be a concern for everyone in the future as it defrosts ancient viruses and how it's harmful/dangerous to humanity?

Kirn s Chougule
3 min readMar 23, 2023

Climate change is a pressing issue that is causing a wide range of environmental problems, including melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and increasing temperatures. However, one of the most alarming consequences of climate change is the potential release of ancient viruses that have been frozen in the ice for thousands of years. This is a concern for everyone, as it poses a serious threat to human health and well-being.

The concept of “ancient viruses” may sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but it is a very real and serious concern. The melting of permafrost, which is the layer of soil and rock that is permanently frozen in the polar regions, is releasing these viruses into the environment. This is because many of these viruses have been trapped in the ice for thousands of years, and as the permafrost thaws, they are released back into the environment.

One of the most significant risks posed by ancient viruses is the potential for pandemics. These viruses have been dormant for thousands of years, and as such, humans have no immunity to them. This means that if one of these viruses were to be released into the human population, it could cause a widespread outbreak that would be difficult to contain. This is particularly concerning given that many of these viruses are extremely virulent and have a high mortality rate.

The risks posed by ancient viruses are not just theoretical. In 2016, a boy in Siberia died after being infected with anthrax that was released from the permafrost. The anthrax had been trapped in the ice for over 75 years, and when the permafrost thawed, the bacteria were released. This is just one example of how the thawing of permafrost can release dangerous pathogens into the environment.

In addition to the risk of pandemics, the thawing of permafrost can also release harmful chemicals and gases into the environment. For example, the thawing of permafrost can release large amounts of methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Methane is estimated to be 28 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, making it a significant contributor to climate change.

The thawing of permafrost can also release other harmful chemicals, such as mercury and lead, into the environment. These chemicals can have a range of negative health effects, including neurological damage and developmental delays. In addition, the release of these chemicals can contaminate local water sources, making them unsafe for human consumption.

Climate change is a global issue that affects everyone, and the risks posed by ancient viruses are just one example of why it is so important to address this issue. As the permafrost continues to thaw, there is a real and pressing risk that dangerous pathogens will be released into the environment. This could lead to widespread outbreaks of disease that would be difficult to control, and could have serious consequences for human health and wellbeing.

Furthermore, the release of harmful chemicals and gases from the thawing permafrost can exacerbate the impacts of climate change, leading to even more severe environmental problems. It is therefore essential that we take action to address climate change and mitigate its impacts. This includes reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, investing in renewable energy, and taking steps to protect vulnerable communities from the impacts of climate change.

In conclusion, climate change is a serious and pressing issue that poses a wide range of risks and challenges to human health and wellbeing. The thawing of permafrost and the release of ancient viruses is just one example of why it is so important to address this issue. We must take urgent action to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, protect vulnerable communities, and mitigate the impacts of climate change if we are to prevent further harm to the environment and human health

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Kirn s Chougule

seek to create a better and safe environment for women by educating them. I am more intuned to current affairs which can help to grow our country