Peatland Atlas 2023:Facts and figures about wet climate guardians

Peatlands are impressive ecosystems. They are rich in rare animal and plant species and can store huge amounts of carbon in their peat soils. In Central Europe, well over 90 percent of the peatlands have been drained. Even today, peatlands are still being destroyed in all parts of the world. About 4 percent of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions come from drained peatlands. These emissions can be reduced if drained peatlands are rewetted - this way the peat is preserved and the carbon is bound in it. However, wet use of large peatland areas poses many challenges for agriculture. The Peatland Atlas highlights the consequences of the destruction of these unique habitats and shows the opportunities of wet peatlands and their use for society in order to encourage all actors to take action.