Happy World Peatlands Day! Let’s take a moment today to recognize a climate solution that hardly ever gets talked about.
Peatlands cover just under 3 percent of the Earth’s land area, but they store twice as much carbon as our forests. And yet, these invaluable carbon sinks are being wiped out faster than ever.
So, why don’t we ever hear about them?
On Thursday, 6 June, we at the Global Landscapes Forum will bring together 1,000 experts and advocates from across the globe to raise our voices for peatlands.
Ahead of GLF Peatlands 2024, here are our top 10 reads from ThinkLandscape to get informed about the climate solution we forgot.
First things first – what are peatlands, what can they do for us, and why are they so under threat? Discover all you need to know about this crucial landscape in our brand-new explainer.
Now that we know what peatlands are, what can we do to protect them? We asked experts, scientists and environmental activists to give us the lowdown.
From the archives, here are three more ways to bring degraded peatlands back to health, based on research by CIFOR-ICRAF in Indonesia.
Back in 2017, scientists discovered the world’s largest peatland – the Cuvette Centrale, located in the Congo Basin. How can we keep it intact?
Learn more about Central African forests at our hybrid forum on 20 June.
Fast forward to 2022, and the Congolese government announced that it would open the Cuvette Centrale for oil and gas exploration. Spoiler alert: this was not a wise move.
Peatlands aren’t just found in the tropics: in fact, most of the world’s peatlands are located near the poles, especially in northern Europe, Russia, Canada and Alaska.
The Peruvian Amazon is home to some of the world’s most important tropical peatlands. Here are some insights from scientists, businesses and policymakers working to save them.
When drained, peatlands don’t just release carbon into the atmosphere. They also emit massive amounts of nitrous oxide, as scientists discovered in 2018.
Are you joining us at GLF Peatlands? Here are six trailblazing speakers you’ll hear from.
Think you’ve soaked up all there is to know about peatlands? Take this short quiz to test your knowledge.
Finally…
…thank you for reading this story. Our mission is to make them freely accessible to everyone, no matter where they are.Â
We believe that lasting and impactful change starts with changing the way people think. That’s why we amplify the diverse voices the world needs to hear – from local restoration leaders to Indigenous communities and women who lead the way.
By supporting us, not only are you supporting the world’s largest knowledge-led platform devoted to sustainable and inclusive landscapes, but you’re also becoming a vital part of a global movement that’s working tirelessly to create a healthier world for us all.
Every donation counts – no matter the amount. Thank you for being a part of our mission.
