The Global Peatland Hotspot Atlas, published by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) on 21 November 2024, underscores the critical importance of peatlands, which cover only 3-4% of the Earth's surface but store up to one-third of the world’s soil carbon. Peatlands are essential carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots, providing vital ecosystem services such as water regulation, flood and drought risk reduction, and habitat for over 1,000 vulnerable species. However, human activities like agriculture, urbanization and deforestation threaten these ecosystems, with degraded peatlands contributing 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
The report highlights the alarming rate of peatland destruction, particularly in hotspots like East and Southeast Asia, where approximately 500,000 hectares of peatlands are lost annually. In addition, climate change is exacerbating the problem, especially in the Arctic, where thawing permafrost accelerates peatland degradation.
UNEP stresses the urgent need for enhanced protection, restoration, and sustainable management of peatlands, emphasizing that safeguarding these ecosystems is a cost-effective strategy for mitigating climate change and preserving biodiversity. The Global Peatland Hotspot Atlas aims to guide decision-makers in prioritizing peatland conservation and promote climate action through holistic, landscape-based approaches.
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