Takeaways from AP story on a major effort to restore peatland in North Carolina
Summary
Investors and scientists are working to restore a large area of peatland in North Carolina to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and bring back native habitats. Peatlands store large amounts of carbon and water, but draining and damaging them causes harmful greenhouse gas releases and increases wildfire risks.Key Facts
- The restoration project covers 23 square miles (60 square kilometers) in North Carolina’s Inner Banks.
- Peatlands make up only 3% of the world’s land but hold about one-third of the planet’s carbon dioxide, more than all forests combined.
- When healthy, peatlands trap carbon because their waterlogged soil slows down plant decay and helps absorb carbon dioxide.
- Draining the peatlands for farming and other uses has caused the soil to dry out, leading to the release of roughly 130,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually from this site.
- Dry peatlands are vulnerable to deep underground fires that burn for long periods and release large amounts of carbon.
- Restoring peatlands can help reduce climate-warming gases, prevent wildfires, and support fresh water storage and wildlife habitats.
- Around two-thirds of temperate peatlands worldwide, including many in the U.S. and Europe, have been drained and damaged.
- Boreal peatlands in colder regions, like Canada and Russia, remain mostly intact but face threats from thawing permafrost, fires, and mining.
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