A comprehensive review of nearly 400 scientific papers reveals that rising temperatures on the Tibetan Plateau are accelerating permafrost thaw and glacier retreat. This process creates thermokarst lakes that release ancient carbon as carbon dioxide and methane, a gas significantly more potent than CO2. Researchers found that microbial activity is the primary driver of these emissions, potentially flipping the region from a net carbon absorber to a net emitter. The study suggests a new management strategy based on lake typology to protect remaining carbon sinks and mitigate high-emitting areas.
