Soil regulates climate: Earth's carbon reservoir

Peatlands: Long-term carbon stores at risk

Peatlands cover only a small part of the Earth's land surface, yet they store an exceptionally large amount of carbon. For thousands of years, their waterlogged conditions in soils have slowed the decomposition of dead plant material, allowing thick layers of peat to accumulate. As a result, peatlands have become one of the world's largest long-term stores of soil carbon.

When peatlands are drained for agriculture, forestry or peat extraction, this balance is disrupted. As the soil dries, oxygen enters the peat and microorganisms rapidly break down the accumulated organic matter. Carbon that has been stored for centuries or even millennia is released as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, turning a long-term carbon store into a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions.

Protecting intact peatlands and restoring degraded ones helps keep this carbon in the ground. Peatlands remind us that healthy soils do much more than support plants – they are essential for regulating the Earth's climate.

Watch the video “What is peatland and can it save the planet? | RSPB Nature Explained”, which takes you on a journey to peatlands in Wales, UK. It is approximately 4 minutes long and was produced by RSPB Nature Explained. While watching the video, try to answer these questions:

• Why do peatlands accumulate so much carbon over time?
• What changes when a peatland is drained?
• How can peatlands be managed to help protect their carbon stores?