Peatlands, Mangroves Store More Carbon in Soils in Southeast Asia: Study
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Peatlands and mangroves play an enhanced role in reducing carbon emissions but also raise concerns at the same time, notes a new international study.
The study was conducted by a group of scientists from the National University of Singapore, with inputs from James Cook University in Australia and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore).
Although both ecosystems make up only 5% of Southeast Asia's land, they help store a massive amount of carbon, around 90% of their carbon in soils. However, they release large amounts of carbon when disturbed by land-use changes like urban development or agriculture, which is a major cause of worry. This will also choke off many countries' climate goals in the region.
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Conserving and protecting peatlands and mangroves could cut almost 770 megatonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually, which is around Malaysia’s total emissions in 2023, added the study.
Researchers opine that the respective governments should include them in their climate policies under the Paris Agreement to help countries set higher emission reduction goals.
Not only do they play a larger role in carbon storage but they also help biodiversity and local communities thrive, says the study. Their soil is highly valuable in carbon markets, where businesses can trade carbon credits to offset their emissions.
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Assoc Prof Lupascu, who is from the Department of Geography at the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, added: "Our research underscores the immense climate benefits of protecting these ecosystems, making them a pragmatic and effective natural climate solution for ASEAN countries."
To learn more about the study and for a detailed view, click here.
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Source: NUS
