Yakutsk: World's Coldest City Melting Under Global Warming Threat

• Yakutsk, the capital of Sakha Republic, Russia, built on permafrost, faces a severe crisis due to global warming.
• The permafrost, which provided a stable foundation for centuries, is now rapidly melting, causing ground subsidence, tilting buildings, and cracking roads.
• Over 40% of buildings in Yakutsk are affected, with schools, hospitals, and apartments developing cracks, and infrastructure like pipelines bursting.
• Scientists predict that if temperatures continue to rise, a large part of Yakutsk could be destroyed within 30-50 years, with 70% of buildings becoming unstable by 2050.
• The Arctic region is warming 3-4 times faster than the global average, creating a dangerous feedback loop as melting permafrost releases methane and carbon.

Why It Matters: Global warming is rapidly melting permafrost in Yakutsk, threatening its infrastructure and forcing residents to adapt.