Emissions due to the loss of the carbon rich soils of peatswamps are currently not accounted for. These emissions total 3000 million tonne carbon dioxide per year: more than 10% of all global emissions.

During this climate summit, the members of the Kyoto Protocol (developed countries) are discussing how to deal with these and other land use emissions in the period after 2012. Wetlands International advocates for an approach to treat all land use emissions similar to fossil fuel emissions.

Carbon emissions due to forest loss in developing countries is being discussed in Poznan under the “REDD” programme (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation). Wetlands International supports this initiative but also stresses the importance to include emissions from the forest soils. In addition; losses from the biomass other than forests should also be addressed in a similar scheme, notably peatlands.

 Click here for our peatland factbook and for our policy paper for delegations.

More information:
Alex Kaat
+31 (0)6 50601917
Alex.kaat@wetlands.org