A peatland is an area of land with layers of accumulated organic surface material in a state of decay (known as peat). It develops in waterlogged conditions. Peatland drainage is estimated to contribute at least 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Carbon that has been trapped in nearby peatlands for thousands of years is being released by the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Lake Mai Ndombe and Tumba. Despite making up just 0.3% of the planet’s geographical area, the Congo Basin’s marshes and peatlands contain one-third of the carbon deposited in its tropical peatlands.
A region of land containing layers of accumulated, decomposing organic surface material—known as peat—is called a peatland. Peat grows when there is a lot of water present. At least 5% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions are thought to be caused by peatland draining and fires, which contribute to climate change.
