Accurate representation of permafrost carbon emissions is crucial for climate projections, yet current Earth system models inadequately represent permafrost carbon. Sustained funding opportunities are needed from government and private sectors for prioritized model development. Permafrost carbon emissions are one of the largest uncertainties in future climate projections and therefore need to be accurately represented in Earth system models (ESMs). Quantifying the potential of additional carbon emissions from the permafrost region is of high urgency given that the region is warming up to four times faster than the rest of the globe. Despite steady improvement of land model process representation, permafrost carbon remains either inadequately represented, or not represented at all, in current ESMs. Incorporation of permafrost carbon feedbacks into ESMs is of unique urgency given the exceptional warming in the Arctic and the threat to global climate mitigation goals.