For Peat's Sake

A new report from the UN Environment Programme says that the destruction of peatlands is responsible for 3 billion tons of carbon dioxide emission each year, the equivalent of 10% of worldwide fossil fuel emissions. Environmental News Network has an article that sums up the background:

Peatlands are wetland ecosystems that accumulate plant material over time to form layers of peat soil up to 20 meters thick. They are present in 180 countries, cover 3 percent of the world’s surface, and store an average of 10 times more carbon per hectare than other ecosystems. Peatlands are also home to a large share of the world’s freshwater resources and are critical in biodiversity conservation.

These lands are being cleared, drained, and burned at an alarming rate. If the destruction were halted, we'd see a huge reduction in global GHG output. Achim Steiner, the Under-Secretary General and Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme, points out the benefits of making peatland conservation a priority: "Just like a global phase out of old, energy guzzling light bulbs or a switch to hybrid cars, protecting and restoring peatlands is perhaps another key 'low hanging fruit' and among the most cost-effective options for climate change mitigation."

If you say peat, my first thought is of good Scotch-- I had no idea this land type was so important to carbon dioxide sequestration. Just goes to show that there's always something new to learn when it comes to stopping global climate change.