The Carbon Cycle and Peatlands
In celebration of World Peatlands Day on June 2, 2024, we’re excited to launch a four-part animated video series spotlighting the vital role of peatlands in the global carbon cycle.
Peatlands are unique wetlands, formed over thousands of years through the accumulation of dead plant material in waterlogged conditions, resulting in deep, organic, carbon-rich soils known as peat. These areas are often referred to as “muskeg” and include bogs, fens, and peat swamps. About 25% of the world’s peatlands are in Canada with most located in Canada’s boreal region.
The Carbon Cycle and Peatlands
Carbon is a fundamental element found everywhere— in rocks, soils, water bodies, the atmosphere, and within living organisms. While carbon itself is not harmful, excessive carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere is a major contributor to climate change. Peatlands help regulate the balance of CO2 in the atmosphere by sequestering large amounts of carbon, with most of this carbon stored below ground.
Peatlands cover only 3% of the Earth’s surface, but they punch above their weight, storing over 30% of the Earth’s land-based carbon. This makes peatlands indispensable for the global carbon cycle and climate regulation.
Carbon and Peatlands 4-part video series
Part 1 – Peatlands in Canada: Terrestrial Carbon Hotspots
Globally, peatlands store approximately 30% of all land-based carbon. 25% of these carbon rich wetlands are found in Canada. This video outlines: wetland and peatland values and ecosystem services, the differences between peatlands and other types of wetlands, where peatlands are found in Canada, and their role in the global carbon cycle.
Part 2 – Peatland Carbon Cycles and Carbon Sequestration
Peatlands in Canada store approximately 150 billion tonnes of carbon. But how do they do it? This video outlines: peatland carbon cycles and fluxes, carbon sequestration, and how peatlands are transitioning from carbon sinks to carbon sources.
Part 3 – Peatlands, Methane and Global Warming
Wetlands are the world’s largest natural source of methane and peatlands account for approximately 7% of annual methane emissions. This video outlines: the Global Warming Potential of methane versus carbon dioxide, methane cycling, and what increased methane emissions mean for northern peatlands.
Part 4 – Peatland Disturbance: Impacts to Carbon Storage and Sequestration
Peatlands and their carbon stores are increasingly threatened by climate induced warming and human activities such as drainage and land conversion. This video outlines: human disturbances to peatlands, climate induced and natural disturbances such as permafrost thaw and wildfire, and how to protect these vital carbon stores.
The Carbon and Peatland 4 part video series was developed by Ducks Unlimited Canada with financial support from AB NAWMP.
Peatlands as Nature-based Climate Solutions
Boreal peatlands cover 120 million hectares across Canada alone, and in some cases have been accumulating carbon for over 10,000 years. These ecosystems store large amounts of carbon and play an important role in regulating global climate. Canada’s peatlands have withstood natural climate fluctuations over millennia, accumulating vast carbon stores. Peatlands are an effective nature-based climate solution that have the potential to continue to sequester atmospheric CO2, serving as carbon sinks and lessening the impacts of global warming.
Despite their resilience, peatlands face significant threats from both human activities and climate change. These threats, and other human impacts, can shift peatlands from carbon sinks into carbon sources, amplifying instead of mitigating the effects of climate change:
- Permafrost Thaw: In northern regions, much of the peatland carbon is trapped in permanently frozen soil called permafrost. Thawing permafrost, due to rising temperatures, can release stored carbon as CO2 and methane (CH4), potent greenhouse gases.
- Wildfires: In the boreal, higher temperatures lead to intensified drought, heightening the risk and extent of wildfires, which can burn peatlands and release centuries-old carbon into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change further.
- Human Disturbance: Activities like drainage, land conversion, and resource extraction disrupt the delicate balance of peatlands, making them more susceptible to carbon release.
Peatland post forest fire.
Other Peatland Values
Peatlands offer numerous ecological, economic, and cultural benefits:
- Flood and Drought Mitigation: Peatlands absorb excess rainfall and reducing the impact of floods. During droughts, they release stored water, helping to maintain the water table and water availability.
- Water Quality Improvement: Wetlands filter pollutants from water, enhancing water quality and providing clean water for various uses.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Peatlands are critical habitats for many species, supporting rich biodiversity and offering food and resources for wildlife and humans alike.
- Carbon Sequestration: Wetlands, especially peatlands, capturing and storing atmospheric carbon, helping mitigate climate change.
On World Peatlands Day we recognize the invaluable role that peatlands play in maintaining our planet’s health. These unique ecosystems not only support diverse wildlife and improve water quality but can also act as significant carbon sinks, crucial in mitigating climate change. Effective peatland conservation, caretaking, management, and restoration we can ensure they continue to provide these essential services for generations to come.
Learn more about DUC’s work to conserve boreal peatlands:
Understanding the Impacts of Climate Change on Boreal Wetlands
How do peatlands impact wildfires?