THOUSANDS of Arctic lakes are disappearing as a result of global warming. The normally frozen soil, or permafrost, that makes the lake beds watertight is thawing, allowing the water to drain away. The loss of these lakes could endanger native plants and animals, as well as many species of migratory birds that breed and nest around them. It could also threaten the livelihood of people who use the lakes for hunting and fishing.
The Arctic is warming faster than any other region on Earth. Normally its ice sheets reflect much of the sunlight that falls on them back into space,…
