Recent research in the Rhine basin shows that beaver-modified river sections store 26 percent more carbon annually than unmodified areas. By slowing water flow, beaver dams trap organic matter and sediment, preventing carbon from washing downstream and sequestering it for up to 30 years. Beyond carbon storage, these natural wetlands recharge groundwater and reduce wildfire damage. These nature-based solutions provide a scalable model for improving river ecosystem resilience and mitigating climate impacts through natural hydrology.
