The importance of moors for climate protection

The importance of moors for climate protection

Nature conservation and climate protection are closely linked. In this question, no landform contributes as significantly as moors. Peatlands are complex and delicate ecosystems that play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle and therefore make an important contribution to climate protection.

What are bogs?

Definition and creation

Peatlands are moist to wet landscapes, also known as wetlands, which are characterized by an excess of precipitation over evaporation. This peculiarity leads to the accumulation of water, which leads to a lack of oxygen and therefore the growth of specialized plants. Due to the oxygen-poor soil, these plants decompose very slowly after they die and peat forms over thousands of years, creating a bog.

Types of bogs

Moors can be roughly divided into raised moors and fens. Raised bogs form in areas where precipitation is the main source of water. In a sense, they grow beyond the groundwater and upwards from the surrounding terrain. Fens, on the other hand, form in water-rich lowlands, often near rivers or lakes, and are covered with water all year round.

Biological diversity in peatlands

Peatlands are unique and specialized habitats. The lack of nutrients and the oxygen-poor subsoil make life in these areas difficult for many plants and animals. Nevertheless, numerous species have adapted to the extreme conditions and contribute to impressive biodiversity.

Plant world

Around a fifth of all native plant species can be found in German moors. Typical raised bog plants are peat moss, cranberries and sundews. Fens can be home to other species such as sedges, rushes and various types of reeds.

wildlife

Many specialized animal species find an ideal habitat in moors. The moors are particularly important for various bird species. They are also a habitat for amphibians, insects and mammals. The species-rich fauna is a good indicator of the importance of peatlands for biological diversity.

The importance of moors for climate protection

Now to the most important point of our topic: the importance of moors for climate protection. How exactly do peatlands contribute to climate protection?

Carbon storage

Peatlands are true giants when it comes to storing carbon. Although they only cover three percent of the Earth's surface, peatlands store twice as much carbon as all the world's forests. In Germany, around 58 percent of the carbon stored in soils is bound in moors. This makes peatlands the largest terrestrial carbon store.

When intact, peatlands continuously absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and store it as carbon in the peat. In this way, peatlands help to reduce the amount of climate-damaging greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and thus slow down climate change.

Danger from drainage and destruction

However, draining and destroying peatlands releases the greenhouse gases trapped in peat and can turn peatlands from carbon sinks into sources of CO2. Around 15 percent of all peatlands worldwide have already been destroyed. In Germany and Europe the moors are even more severely affected. An estimated 90 percent of the moors here are drained and their natural functioning is therefore disrupted.

The drainage of peatlands, for example for agricultural use or peat extraction, also has a direct impact on climate change. Drainage supplies the peat layers with oxygen, causing the organic materials stored within them to decompose and be released as CO2.

Intact moors are therefore essential for climate protection. Not only do they help reduce greenhouse gases, but they also help mitigate the negative effects of climate change.

Measures to protect the moors

In order to maintain the important role of moors in climate protection and to prevent the release of greenhouse gases from drained moors, targeted protection and renaturation measures are necessary.

Renaturation of moors

The aim of renaturing moors is to restore the functionality of moors. This can be achieved by rewetting the drained areas. The water is returned to the moorland to restore the moor's vital functions and prevent the release of greenhouse gases.

Moore in climate policy

The role of peatlands in climate protection is also recognized at the political level. National and international programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions often include measures to protect and restore peatlands. One such initiative is, for example, the Bonn Moor Agreement, an international agreement to protect moors.

Conclusion

The importance of peatlands for climate protection cannot be overestimated. Due to their enormous carbon storage capacity and the specialization of many species in these unique habitats, they make a valuable contribution to stabilizing our climate and preserving biological diversity. In order to maintain and strengthen these important functions, targeted protection and renaturation measures are required.

Every individual can also contribute to the preservation of the moors by consciously avoiding peat products and working to protect and renaturalize the moors. Because preserving our moors is not just a question of nature conservation, but also a fundamental prerequisite for successful climate protection.