Values

Carbon-storage

Storing carbon is an important function of peatlands and affects both local and global climates. Carbon occurs naturally in the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide. Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and use it to make food and oxygen in a process called photosynthesis.

The Greenhouse Effect

When a plant dies and decays the carbon within the plant is released into the atmosphere. The conditions found in peatland limit decomposition, so the carbon is retained and stored in the peat. In the last century increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide, mainly from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and turf have contributed to the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect describes how increased levels of carbon dioxide, and other gases that trap heat radiated from the Earth's surface, have contributed to an increased global temperature.

Global concerns about the greenhouse effect and other climate issues resulted in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This convention led to the Kyoto Protocol, which outlines the commitments of individual countries to reduce greenhouse gases. A reduction in the use of fossil fuels is an essential part of the Kyoto Protocol but peatlands also play a vital role for many countries in meeting their Kyoto obligations.

Countries can use the carbon storage capacity of peatlands to offset some of their carbon emissions and thus reduce their carbon output. Carbon trading between countries is currently permissible so the carbon stored within peatlands may also have an economic benefit.

The first estimate of soil carbon in Northern Ireland recorded a total soil carbon pool of 385,683 kT. The highest carbon levels were recorded in peatlands, which cover only 12% of the land area in Northern Ireland but accounted for 53% of the soil carbon pool.

Deep lowland raised bogs were found to have stored carbon levels in excess of 5000tonnes/ha. It is important to note that while intact peatlands store carbon, drainage and extraction releases carbon into the atmosphere. It is vital to protect intact peatlands and reduce drainage and extraction if peatlands are to retain their function as a carbon store.