A Peat of Strength

Peatlands, also known as bogs, mires, or fens, are wetland ecosystems characterized by the accumulation of partially decayed plant material, known as peat. As a result of their unique composition (generally from sphagnum moss, which can hold up to 26 times its weight in water), peatlands act as vast carbon sinks and have the capacity to store significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. When we think about carbon storage, we tend to think of trees and lush forests; however, scientists estimate that a trillion newly planted trees would only remove one-third of all the CO2 that humans have put into the atmosphere. Besides, not every landscape should be covered in trees. Peat is another powerful tool that can be used to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Peatlands play a crucial role in regulating the climate, despite covering only around 3% of the Earth's land surface. They store an estimated 30% of the world's soil carbon, which is twice as much carbon as all the world’s forests combined.

Despite their importance, peatlands are increasingly under threat from human activities such as drainage, agriculture, and extraction for fuel. About 15% of the word’s peatlands have already been drained. When disturbed, peatlands release stored carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Protecting and restoring peatlands is therefore essential for preserving their role as carbon sinks.

Peatland restoration projects also provide additional benefits such as improved water quality, biodiversity conservation, and flood prevention.

Peatlands represent nature's invaluable ally in the fight against climate change, serving as potent carbon sinks that help regulate the Earth's climate. By protecting and restoring these ecosystems, we can harness their immense potential for carbon capture and storage while safeguarding biodiversity and water resources.