Russia warns about frozen ancient viruses

The melting of permafrost due to global warming may not only lead to the release of methane gasses and potential devastation to arctic infrastructure but could also see old viruses and bacteria waking up, Russia has warned.

Speaking to the TV channel Zvezda, senior diplomat Nikolay Korchunov revealed that Russia has proposed a project on biosafety to the Arctic Council, an intergovernmental forum made up of eight countries that have sovereignty over land within the Arctic Circle.

Korchunov, who serves as an ambassador at large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, chairs the Committee of Senior Officials at the Arctic Council.

“There is a risk of old viruses and bacteria waking up,” Korchunov said.

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