Menu Close

Articles on Peatlands

Displaying 1 - 20 of 35 articles

Smouldering fire in a drained peatland near Fort McMurray, Alta. produces smoke from underground. These ecosystems are affected by rising temperatures, drought, wildfire and various human actions including drainage. (Leyland Cecco)

Up in smoke: Human activities are fuelling wildfires that burn essential carbon-sequestering peatlands

New research shows that northern peatlands may not help regulate our climate by the end of the century.
The world’s leaders have tried to stop deforestation before, but have had little success. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)

COP26 deforestation deal key to slowing climate change, but Canada must tackle issues of carbon accounting and industry

The pledge to end deforestation holds great potential, but Canada has some work ahead if it is to make meaningful progress on the new goal and stop ongoing forest and carbon loss.
Northern European folklore had different ways of referring to distant lights known to spontaneously appear on peatlands, including will-o’-the-wisp, and the more familiar jack-o’-lantern. (Shutterstock)

Peatland folklore lent us will-o-the-wisps and jack-o-lanterns, and can inspire climate action today

Peatlands have been central to how northern European folklore has explored fear and a sense of the supernatural for hundreds of years. Their persistence is also key to slowing down climate change.

Top contributors

More