Nature-based solutions for permafrost stabilization and permafrost carbon fixation

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The adverse effects of climate warming on the built environment in (sub)arctic regions are unprecedented andaccelerating. The built structures (such as roads, railways, dams, and pipelines) in Canada's North are sinkinginto the thawing ground faster than before. Billions of dollars will be required to adapt and repair the existinginfrastructure that is being affected by the disappearance of permafrost. In addition, permafrost is also thegreatest source of terrestrial carbon sink in human history. By considering only gradual and top-down thaw,cumulative permafrost emissions could reach 150 billion tons of carbon by the year 2100 without aggressiveclimate policies or climate change adaptation strategies. This amount is nearly half the world's remainingcarbon budget if we want to keep warming under 2 C, which is the limit set in the international climateagreements. Over the course of this project, we will develop for the first time a cutting-edge nature-based nano-enhanced bio-cementation protocol for ground improvement and permafrost stabilization in Project 1. We will develop methodologies, laboratory and large-scale protocols, and models and will transfer technology to the partner organizers to promote adoption in practice. In Project 2, we will develop for the first time a Digital Twin platform by developing a physics-based, multiscale simulator fed by a multi-modalities AI/ML platform to predict the level of vegetation, microbial activity, and permafrost carbon feedback in the future. This work will use the methods developed in Project 1 and will apply the knowledge gained from past experiences and field trials being planned with the partners. This will provide stakeholders with an evidence-based decision-making tool for climate policy. During this project, 5 HQPs will be trained.