When we think of planet Earth, we don't picture a frozen planet. But a huge area underground is always icy. We call it the permafrost. You won't find it in your backyard, unless you live in the far north.

Geologists and other scientists have only begun the task of cataloging this underground world. Now, as Earth warms, we all need to know. Because if all the carbon locked up in the north is released, our climate, and our civilization will change beyond recognition.

Professor Antoni Lewkowicz is a central figure unraveling this mystery. From the Department of Geography at Canada's University of Ottawa, Lewkowicz studies, leads doctoral researchers, and advises international groups on permafrost. He's a co-author on a new paper on the impacts of climate change on permafrost in Canada.

Charles Koven from Berkeley National Labs is a climate expert on permafrost. He makes predictions from the best of the models we have so far. You get selections from his presentation at the AAAS meeting in Vancouver February 19, 2012.

Theme music for this program is Laurie Anderson "Only An Expert". Short clip from BBC and US Energy Secretary Steven Chu from You tube.

We could lose 50 to 80% of the permafrost this century. It could be a runaway greenhouse situation.

Download/listen to CD Quality version (56MB) here:
 http://www.ecoshock.net/eshock12/ES_120530_Show.mp3

Find a detailed blog about this program here:
 http://www.ecoshock.info/2012/05/what-if-permafrost-thaws.html