Spread over large regions of the northern half of the world, peatlands play an important role in global
However, scientists are well aware that peat bogs,including almost half of them, which are now frozen, are very vulnerable to temperature rises. Until now, the lack of accurate maps made it difficult to fully assess the climate impact on peat.
Using data collected from over 7,000field observations, the authors of the new study were able to compile the most accurate maps of peatlands, their depth and the amount of greenhouse gases they contain.
They show that the marshlandcovers 3.7 million sq. km. In addition, the researchers warn that northern peatlands store about 415 gigatons of carbon. This is equivalent to about 46 years of current global CO₂ emissions.
In their study, the authors predicted that peatlands will become a major source of greenhouse gases as the world warms. One of the key questions is when will this happen.
Unfortunately, we cannot yet indicate the exact time for these numbers, the models are not yet so developed. But I believe that this shift will occur in the second half of this century.
Gustav Hugelius, lead author of the paper from Stockholm University, Sweden
So what would be the likely consequences of this melting?
The report's authors say their new estimate of carbon emissions from melting and peat loss is 30-50% higher than previous projections of carbon emissions from melting permafrost.
If this new peatland estimate is included in all estimates of permafrost thaw, it is projected to equal the EU and UK annual emissions by 2100.
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