The Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway. (Credit: Mari Tefre/Svalbard Globale frøhvelv)

Our favorite doomsday machine, which we never tire of hearing about and sharing on this platform each time it has demonstrated its visionary worthiness, is back in the news. Discover Magazine brought this to our attention today:

Just nine years after its official opening, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway is undergoing renovations to protect it from climate change.

The work was prompted by accidental flooding that took place last week, as melting permafrost seeped into the vault’s access corridor. While the seeds were in no danger, the flooding is nevertheless a worrying sign at a facility meant to endure the worst this planet can throw at it.

The list of vault improvements includes a ditch to divert meltwater from the mountain above, removing heat-producing electrical equipment from the access tunnel and installing waterproof walls. Engineers are also considering a new, more secure access tunnel. All of these changes are expected to be completed in 2018.

Although the Svalbard seed vault is only one of many such repositories around the world, it is considered to be the most secure…

Read the whole story here.