Especially in Russia, significant populations and fixed infrastructure assets are located in urban centres on permafrost that is degrading significantly. Two major risks associated with permafrost degradation are loss of permafrost bearing capacity and ground subsidence . The former determines the ability to support foundations of buildings and structures and is a vital characteristic of sustainability of the economic centres, while the latter impacts the ability of critical infrastructure  to provide transportation and support accessibility of remote populations and economic centres on permafrost. The proximity of some settlements to the coasts or areas with uneven topography may further increase risks associated with permafrost degradation as ice-rich coasts characterised by high rates of coastal erosion, while settlements located on slopes may experience higher rates of mass wasting processes.
IPCC
Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability
IPCC Report