Peatlands: a series
Peatlands are peculiar environments that represent Ireland’s most valuable carbon sinkWHAT ARE PEATLANDS?
Peatlands are terrestrial ecosystems characterized by a constant presence of water. Water doesn’t allow organic matter to decompose and this leads to the formation of peat.
CLIMATE: why are peatlands important to tackle the climate crisis?
When the climate crisis comes into the conversation, one of the main topics rotates around greenhouse gases (GHG). Peatlands play an essential role in their storage.
ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
Ecosystem services are defined as the benefits gained by humankind from surrounding environments.
On a global level, peatlands are particularly efficient as climate regulators and extreme-events moderators. But they are also rich in biodiversity and important for the nutrient cycle and soil formation.