Peatlands
Context
A recent global study has raised concerns over the inadequate protection of peatlands, despite their critical role in carbon storage, climate regulation, and biodiversity conservation.
Relevance:
GS-03 (Conservation)
What Are Peatlands?
- Peatlands are terrestrial wetland ecosystems in which waterlogged conditions prevent plant material from fully decomposing.
- Consequently, the production of organic matter exceeds its decomposition, which results in a net accumulation of peat.
- In cool climates, peatland vegetation is mostly made up of Sphagnum mosses, sedges, and shrubs and is the primary builder of peat, whereas in warmer climates, graminoids and woody vegetation provide most of the organic matter.
- These ecosystems are found in tropical, temperate, and boreal regions, covering around 4.23 million km² globally.
Concerns Highlighted by the Study
- Legal Protection Deficit: Only 17% of global peatlands are under legal conservation, compared to 42% of mangroves and 50% of salt marshes.
- High Human Pressure: 22% of peatlands, mainly in Europe and the US, are under severe threat from deforestation, agriculture, and industrial activities.
Why are peatlands important?
- Climate Regulation & Carbon Storage: Peatlands store 600 gigatonnes of carbon, more than all the world’s forests combined, and when they are degraded, they release 2-5% of global CO₂ emissions annually, which worsens climate change.
- Water Security & Natural Disaster Mitigation: Peatlands regulate freshwater flows, holding 10% of the world’s unfrozen freshwater. They also act as natural sponges and reduce the occurrence of floods. They even prevent droughts and also help filter water for safe drinking.
- Biodiversity Hotspots & Ecosystem Stability: These wetlands support endangered species like the Bornean orangutan and preserve archaeological and ecological records. Moreover, the destruction of peatland heightens the human-wildlife conflict and increases the risk of zoonotic diseases like Ebola and HIV/AIDS.
- Livelihoods & Cultural Heritage: Indigenous communities manage 27% of the world’s peatlands, relying on them for food, fiber, and raw materials.
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