While some dismiss the 52-year-old as an alarmist crank, his theory is steadily gaining credibility in the scientific community. "There's quite a bit of truth in it," Julian Murton, member of the International Permafrost Association, told Reuters. "The methane and carbon dioxide levels will increase as a result of permafrost degradation."

I wonder how they 'measure' this matter? 500 billion tons, how can this even be measured, even by statistical sample?

"This will lead to a type of global warming which will be impossible to stop,"

Its NOT CO2 that is the worry, it's METHANE! Decaying plant and animal matter releases tons of methane which is a much more potent greenhouse gas. Not too mention the millions of tons trapped below the sea floors. Those who think they can change the environment by mans actions are lost. Those who can adapt to environmental changes will survive.

I liked the bit where he said it was worse than the worst pessimist. So, what does that make the, otherwise credible, Dr Zimov.?
He also has been studying climate change for 30 years, making a total mockery of politicians who wouldn't accept such info ten years ago. Lying b's.

IS THIS TYPE OF SCARE TACTIC SHOCK POSTINGS REALLY THE VERY BEST YOU CAN DO ?

YOUR WORK IS NOT
HELPING OUR THOUGHTS OR OUR MINDS TO MOVE FORWARD.
IF WE ARE NOT MOVING FORWARD.......THEN WE ARE MOVING BACKWARD. PLEASE THINK ABOUT THIS BEFORE POSTING ANOTHER MIND ASSAULT
WEAPON............PLEASE !

All caps = shouting.

I haven't read all of Silkweaver's clips, but I believe the point of this article is to provoke thought. Thus moving your mind forward.

Sad that the above poster doesn't get it, and blames the original poster for an article s/he did not write. LOL! "Mind assault weapon" - I need to remember that one, that was rich.

lorientamara, I believe that being informed is part of moving forwards. Sticking one's head into the sands while thinking positive thoughts won't get us too far. If you care to read my clips you will see that I hold a very optimistic view regarding the future of humanity. But this future won't come if we do not try to understand and address existential risks.