The relationship between wildfires, permafrost thaw, and permafrost carbon feedback in the context of accelerating climate change is becoming more critical, yet remains poorly understood. These interconnected processes, which could trigger dangerous climate feedback loops, are often missing or underrepresented in Earth system models. This leads to inaccurate greenhouse gas emission calculations and carbon budgets that inform international policy decisions. Research gaps highlight the need for standardized sampling protocols, improved models, and better data collection. While scientists agree that the risks of fire-induced permafrost thaw and subsequent carbon feedback are significant enough to warrant immediate action, our understanding of these processes remains incomplete. This suggests the urgent need for both enhanced collaboration between researchers and policymakers, and immediate mitigative measures targeting not only global emissions but also permafrost thaw and wildfires directly.
