Wetlands Store More Carbon Than Forests: The Unsung Climate Heroes
Enter Wetlands – Earth’s Carbon Sinks
Wetlands, especially peatlands, are some of the most carbon-rich ecosystems on Earth. Despite covering just 3% of the global land surface, they store nearly 30% of the world’s soil carbon — twice as much as all the forests put together!
Peatlands are a type of wetland where plant material doesn’t fully decompose, due to waterlogged conditions. This partially decayed matter accumulates over thousands of years, forming peat — a dense, carbon-rich layer that locks away massive amounts of carbon.
The Threat: Draining = Emitting
Unfortunately, wetlands are under constant threat due to:
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Agricultural expansion
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Urban development
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Infrastructure projects
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Climate change itself
When wetlands are drained or disturbed, the trapped carbon oxidizes and is released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, accelerating global warming.
In fact, drained peatlands are responsible for around 5% of global CO₂ emissions, even though they make up only a small portion of the Earth's surface.
The Solution: Protect, Restore, Respect
Saving wetlands is not just about conserving biodiversity — it’s a climate action strategy. Here's what can be done:
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Protect existing wetlands from destruction
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Restore degraded peatlands through rewetting
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Integrate wetland conservation into national climate policies
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Raise awareness about their role in carbon sequestration
Why This Matters More Than Ever
As the climate crisis intensifies, nature-based solutions like wetland protection must be front and center. These ecosystems don’t just store carbon — they also:
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Prevent floods
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Support unique wildlife
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Purify water
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Sustain local livelihoods
Let’s stop treating wetlands as wastelands. They are among our best allies in the fight against climate change.
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