ILLUQ - Impacts of Permafrost thaw on Pollution and Health in the Arctic (final titel TBC)

Rising temperatures induce thawing of permafrost, bringing an extra layer of complexity for assessing pollution and health risks in the Arctic environments. Greenhouse gases released from thawing permafrost threaten to cause irreversible changes in the Arctic and other regions. Thawing permafrost causes change in mechanical properties of soils, which in turn deteriorates stability and service-life of built infrastructure and increases coastal erosion. Thawing also exposes previously frozen soil, which can release toxic chemicals and heavy metals that were previously trapped in the permafrost. This can lead to pollution of water sources and land, which can harm both wildlife and humans, that rely on fish and game for food. In addition, thawing permafrost can also release infectious diseases that were previously frozen in the permafrost, such as anthrax, which can pose a serious health risk to local communities. ILLUQ will address and analyse the adverse effects and pollution risks linked to permafrost thaw, infrastructure degradation and failure, and other associated risks for the environment and human health and well-being. ILLUQ will focus on an improved quantification of these effects, as well as emerging contaminants and re-emission of legacy contaminants due to melting cryosphere or thawing permafrost. The project will improve the understanding of the impacts of permafrost thaw on the health of humans, plants, animals, and wider environment, in a One Health approach, including critical infrastructure, water and food security aspects, and wider socio-economic, demographic and cultural impact. In the different work packages, the project will assess the impact, trends and new scenarios on ecosystem services, including exploring ecosystems management techniques with special attention to community or nature-based solutions. Potential measures should focus on developing community-oriented decision support systems, and co-design mitigation and adaptation measures.