Peatlands are the Earth’s sponges. Vast stretches of wetlands made up largely of waterlogged, partly decayed plants that have been accumulating for thousands of years, cleanse water, reduce the risk of floods, and provide habitat to rare and endangered species. They hold twice as much carbon as all of the earth’s forests combined.

But despite their importance as ecosystems, peatlands are under threat. Humans have drained or destroyed 50 million hectares of peatland to use the peat for fuel, or to make room for agriculture or buildings. Half a million hectares of peatland are still being destroyed each year.

Preventing further peatland loss is the first priority. But drained and degraded peatlands can find new life, too, if we restore their water supply and let native species regrow. Government policies that support peatland protection and penalize peatland destruction are needed to protect these vulnerable areas. Consumers can also pressure food companies not to destroy peatlands to grow crops. By understanding how important and precious peatlands are, we can protect them for millennia to come.

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• Peatland Protection and Rewetting (Project Drawdown)

• Global Assessment Reveals Huge Potential of Peatlands as a Climate Solution (UN Environment Program, UNEP)

• Pressure the government and policymakers to ban peatland destruction, require landowners to protect peatland areas and invest in the restoration of damaged peatland. 

• When choosing food brands, check their sustainability practices to see if they prioritize the protection of wild and ecologically important areas. If not, contact them and ask why.

• Support non-profit and community-lead organizations working to defend and restore peatlands.