Why Peatlands Are Important?

Peatlands are a type of wetlands which are among the most valuable ecosystems on Earth: they are critical for preserving global biodiversity, provide safe drinking water, minimise flood risk and help address climate change.

Why is peat so important?

Peat is hugely important to our planet for lots of reasons. It acts as a carbon store, it is a great habitat for wildlife, it has a role in water management, and preserves things well for archaeology. ... as a carbon store – peat holds more carbon than the combined forests of Britain, France and Germany.

Why are tropical peatlands important?

Tropical peatlands are significant carbon sinks and store large amounts of carbon and their destruction can have a significant impact on the amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide. ... In addition, tropical peatlands support diverse ecosystems and are home to a number of endangered species including the Orangutan.