Factor X (Intermediate)

Scientists warn that beneath the frozen ground, there may be a threat containing many deadly diseases. For thousands of years, ancient microbes have been trapped in the permafrost, which is the frozen ground covering vast areas of the Earth. Permafrost remains frozen for at least two years and is commonly found in high mountains and near the North and South Poles. The scientists believe that climate change is causing the permafrost to melt, potentially releasing unknown harmful viruses referred to as 'Factor X.' Birgitta Evengard, a professor specializing in infectious diseases in Sweden, explains that we know little about Factor X and the biological risks hidden in the Earth's permafrost.

According to virologist Jean-Michel Claverie, there are viruses buried deep in the permafrost that are over 50,000 years old, posing potential harm to humans. Professor Claverie suggests that viruses dating back up to a million years could be the most frightening, as they are entirely unknown to us. He adds that serious bacterial diseases like smallpox and anthrax might be released on a large scale. Despite these concerns, many scientists agree that the more significant threat from melting permafrost is the release of methane, a greenhouse gas 80 times more harmful than CO2.