Site Search
HomePortfolioEnergy & Environment Peatlands worldwide are drying out, threatening to release 860 million tonnes of carbon dioxide every year
Peatlands worldwide are drying out, threatening to release 860 million tonnes of carbon dioxide every year
Humans have been draining global peatlands for a range of uses. (Adobe/lux)
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.
Peatlands worldwide are drying out, threatening to release 860 million tonnes of carbon dioxide every year theconversation.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from theconversation.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.