"Peatlands, such as fens, bogs, marshes and swamps, cover just 3% of the
Earth’s total land surface, yet store over one-third of the planet’s soil
carbon. That’s more than the carbon stored in all other vegetation combined,
including the world’s forests.
But peatlands worldwide are running short of water, and the amount of
greenhouse gases this could set loose would be devastating for our efforts to
curb climate change.
Specifically, our new research in Nature Climate Change found drying peatlands
could release an additional 860 million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the
atmosphere every year, by around 2100. To put this into perspective, Australia
emitted 539 million tonnes in 2019.
To stop this from happening, we need to urgently preserve and restore healthy,
water-logged conditions in peatlands. These thirsty peatlands need water."
*** Xanni ***
Chief Scientist, Xanadu
Partner, Glass Wings
Manager, Serious Cybernetics