Did you know that peat is more effective at capturing and sequestering carbon than trees? And even more than kelp and seagrass meadows? Despite covering just 3% of the land on earth, this slow-growing habitat holds 30% of the carbon on our planet – and twice as much as all of the world’s forests combined.
What’s the deal with peat?
Peat is the top layer of soil created from decaying organic matter and vegetation. According to the International Peatland Association, it’s “derived mostly from plant material, which has accumulated under conditions of waterlogging, oxygen deficiency, high acidity and nutrient deficiency.”
Because of the conditions in a peat bog, the decay of the vegetation happens very slowly which contributes to the low growth rate of the peat. It grows at just 1mm per year.
In the UK, there are three types of peatland: blanket bog, raised bog and fenland which store the equivalent of 580 million tonnes of carbon, according to Natural England. It’s great news for climate change IF we look after them. But unfortunately, our peatland is at risk.
The dangers of losing peat
Peat locks in carbon which is brilliant for keeping it out of the atmosphere. But what happens when peatland is disturbed, destroyed or lost? The carbon it holds is released back into the atmosphere. Every year in England, that’s the equivalent to 11 million tonnes.
So, not only do we lose a vital carbon sink without peat but we also do even more harm by releasing hundreds and thousands of years of carbon back into the atmosphere.
A key component of peatland is sphagnum moss. It can hold up to 20 times its weight in water, making it an undeniable asset to stop flooding. Because of this, we’re able to mitigate severe damage from rainfall and keep our drinking water clean, since 70% of our water comes from peatland areas. So if we lose peat, our water sources become more polluted and our homes more susceptible to flooding.
Let's protect the bog
Protecting peatland is more important now than ever before. And there’s still a lot we need to do to educate people on how to protect them. Thankfully, lots of organisations including Forestry England and multiple wildlife trusts up and down the UK are working to protect peatland. It’s quite a big job, but we can help.
The first thing to do is clue up as much as you can on peatland – and share what you find with others. Maybe you’ve learned something here today or there’s more reading you want to do on peat in your area. Channel your inner sphagnum moss and absorb what you can.
Next is to make smart decisions. You may be surprised to find out that some products still carry peat in them so look for peat-free alternatives when shopping for compost and other gardening products.
You might also consider what charities exist for volunteering or fundraising opportunities for peatland. This is a great opportunity to get hands-on with the problem to fund organisations doing meaningful work.
Like many issues with climate change, a lot needs to change from the top level. But that shouldn’t stop us as individuals having an impact where we can. The most important thing is to continue to have hope.
