Mercury Emissions From Permafrost Thaw Could Make Yukon River Fish Inedible

Nature Communications, September 16

Under high emissions scenarios, additional permafrost thaw would drastically increase mercury concentrations in the Yukon River.  This could cause Yukon fish stocks to exceed U.S. EPA health guidelines within the next 30 years; and annual permafrost mercury emissions to the atmosphere would also increase, and be comparable to current global human mercury emissions by 2200.  Mercury emissions, and their negative impacts on local populations, wildlife, and fisheries are significantly reduced under low-emissions scenarios consistent with the 1.5°C temperature limit.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-18398-5

Compiled by Amy Imdieke