Feature--Tropical peatlands: current plight and the need for responsible management

摘要

Peatlands are important carbon stores, but when drained (e.g. for agriculture), this carbon is released to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2, a greenhouse gas). Globally, at least 15% of peatlands have been drained, mostly in Europe and South-east Asia, and are responsible for 5% of human-derived CO2 emissions. Peatlands have been exploited for generations, but not without local to global consequences, particularly in South-East Asia. However, recognition of the continuous environmental toll caused by peatland exploitation is leading to a need to change attitudes and practices, in order to propel a move towards a more balanced and responsible use of peat in both northern and tropical peatlands.