A “frozen pandora box”: the other terrible consequence of the melting of ice

The melting of glaciers and the thaw of permafrost allow bacteria, viruses and fungi to get out of their “hibernation”, worries scientists, who evoke a “box of frozen Pandora”, in the report of the United Nations Environment Program (PUn or UNP in English), published on Wednesday. For example, This document points to questions that “require more attention from political decision -makers”. &#13. Consequently,

The chances that a former virus released from the soil after thousands of years thanks to the thaw causes a pandemic, however, seem extremely weak in the current state of knowledge. Therefore, “Generalized epidemics are unlikely,” write microbiologists in the report.

The thaw of ancient microbes could however lead to a horizontal transfer of genes. This process. which only exists “frozen pandora box”: other terrible in the microbial world, consists of a transfer of genetic material from one cell to another. Draged microbes could. for example, transmit genes increasing virulence or antibiotic resistance to existing viruses, which would strengthen the pathogenic power of the latter and facilitate their circulation in the human population. Genes of this type have been identified in bacteria taken from currently frozen environments.

“While temperatures reach record levels on a global scale, these microorganisms will become more active in many ecosystems. Even if the cast iron can be slowed down by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. we must prepare for the possibility of a threat caused by potential pathogens, “still alert scientists.

Glaciers and permafrost also have important functions, especially for local populations. Some “frozen pandora box”: other terrible depend for example on the proper functioning of glaciers for their supply of drinking water. Pergélisol, it has a carbon storage role. Its cast iron releases with large quantities of CO2 and methane, which thus accelerated global warming.

Another risk to which the UNEP report attracts attention: the sharp increase in heat risks to which the elderly are. exposed. An increasing number of people aged 65. over are exposed to extreme temperatures worldwide and the number of deaths in this age group has increased by around 85 % since the 1990s. One of the solutions suggested in the report is significant vegetation of cities.