Russia has initiated a project to combat viruses and bacteria that are awakening due to the thawing of permafrost, said Nikolai Korchunov, ambassador-at-large of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

The project is aimed at minimizing the risks of degradation of permafrost, as well as the emergence of infectious diseases caused by awakening pathogens, the chairman of the committee of senior officials in the Arctic Council told Zvezda TV.

“There is a risk of reviving old viruses and bacteria that are awakening, that are reviving.  In this regard, the Russian Federation has initiated a biosafety project as part of the Arctic Council, ” the diplomat said.

According to Korchunov, prevention should be made early.  It is necessary to be ready for a timely response to a possible danger, the diplomat emphasized.

Earlier, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Rae Chung said that due to the melting of the permafrost, dangerous ancient viruses could "wake up".  Ancient diseases can "wake up" in the taiga and Siberian tundra, Chunga said.

Source: FAN