Protecting Peatlands: A Global Climate Solution for Carbon Storage and Biodiversity Conservation
Peatlands, vital carbon storage ecosystems, are dangerously under-protected, putting global climate change mitigation at risk. A groundbreaking study reveals that while peatlands cover just 3% of Earth’s surface, they store more carbon than all forests combined. However, only 17% of peatlands are protected, compared to higher rates for mangroves and tropical forests. Nearly a quarter of global peatlands face pressure from human encroachment, primarily due to farming. The research highlights the mismatch between peatlands’ importance and their conservation status. Indigenous land rights play a crucial role in peatland protection, with 27% of global peatlands on Indigenous Peoples’ lands. The study emphasizes the urgent need for improved peatland conservation and sustainable management to limit global warming. Readers will gain insights into the critical role of peatlands in climate stability, freshwater biodiversity, and the potential for innovative conservation strategies to safeguard these invaluable wetlands.
