This report describes the current and potential future status of permafrost and makes policy recommendations to address the impacts of permafrost degradation in a warming climate. Climate projections in the fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) do not account for carbon dioxide and methane emissions from thawing permafrost. The report recommends commissioning a special report on permafrost emissions from the IPCC, creating national permafrost monitoring networks and developing national adaptation plans for future permafrost degradation.