A type of wetland that provides an incredible carbon-storing capacity. This could be an excellent way to describe a peatland. Found in practically every climate zone in the world, this type of ecosystem is much more than this short description, as it plays an important role in mitigating the climate crisis. But what is it, and how can we use it responsibly?
In highly waterlogged terrains characterized by minimal oxygen content in the soil, the breakdown of organic matter becomes a formidable challenge. Partially decomposed plant material accumulates steadily over thousands of years, creating the ideal scenario for peat to emerge. It can reach staggering depths of 30 meters, due to the fact that the organic constituents –because of their state of incomplete decomposition– do not release carbon into the atmosphere. Interestingly, while peatlands occupy a mere 3% of the Earth's land area, they serve as a repository for a staggering 30% of the planet's carbon. This striking statistic underscores their capacity to stockpile carbon at a rate 15 times greater than forests per square meter. [1]
