Study reveals extent and impact of Peru peatland degradation
AUTHOR
Fraser, B.
Deep in the palm swamps in Peru’s flooded Amazonian forest, thick layers of peat lock away large amounts of carbon. Scientists know that cutting the trees and exposing the soil releases greenhouse gases. Now, however, a new study by CIFOR-ICRAF researchers shows that degradation of the palm swamps in recent decades — by cutting some trees, but not clearing the entire swamp — has actually caused more greenhouse gas emissions than deforestation.