The United States has extensive military infrastructure in Alaska, comprising six military bases, 49 National Guard posts, and 21 missile-detecting radar sites. A significant portion of this infrastructure is at risk due to climate change, as approximately 85% of Alaska is located on permafrost, which is increasingly thawing.
In the broader Arctic region, geopolitical tensions are rising. Relations between Russia and Northern Europe have deteriorated, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This situation has led nations like Sweden and Finland to seek NATO membership for increased security. The U.S. has expressed concerns regarding potential territorial disputes in the Arctic, particularly over Greenland and Canada. Additionally, China is actively seeking to enhance its influence in the region, with ambitions centered on shipping and resource extraction.
The thawing of permafrost is affecting critical infrastructure not only in Alaska but also in Russia and China. In Russia, permafrost covers 60% of the land, and government reports indicate that more than 40% of buildings in northern regions are already showing signs of structural weakness due to thawing. Such conditions pose risks to military installations, transportation networks, and energy pipelines. In China, key infrastructure like the Qinghai-Tibet Railway could be compromised, hindering military mobility in sensitive border areas.
Researchers are working to understand the effects of permafrost thaw through various monitoring methods. One established project, the Circumpolar Active Layer Monitoring network, has collected data since 1991 through sites across the Northern Hemisphere. This monitoring involves direct physical measurements, such as using ground-penetrating radar systems to assess the thickness of the active layer atop permafrost.
In recent efforts, researchers have engaged in extensive fieldwork to gather soil samples and other necessary data for analysis. This ground verification process is essential for confirming findings derived from remote sensing technologies.
Source: https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/09/30/1124548/scientists-see-permafrost-thawing-from-space/