Peatlands cover a small fraction of Earth's surface but store nearly twice as much carbon as all the world's forests combined. When drained or degraded for agriculture, these ecosystems transition from carbon sinks to significant emission sources, contributing up to 4% of global anthropogenic emissions. Restoring these waterlogged ecosystems provides a cost-effective climate solution. Beyond carbon storage, healthy peatlands regulate water flow to prevent floods and droughts, making them essential infrastructure for climate adaptation and biodiversity preservation.
