North America: ice age legacy Published: 11 September 2023 Peatland Atlas 2023 One-third of the world’s peatlands are in North America. Those landscapes close to urban areas have suffered severe degradation, and urgent repair work is needed to restore them. In the north of the continent, peatlands are increasingly threatened by the oil and mining industries. By Maria Strack , Marissa Davies and Curt Richardson
Paludiculture: more from the marsh Published: 11 September 2023 Peatland Atlas 2023 Reeds are used to make thatch for roofs, and grass fibres are used to make furniture: paludiculture combines peatland conservation with agriculture. Strong political support is needed to give this sustainable way of using rewetted peatlands a chance of success. By Anke Nordt and Susanne Abel
Energy: scorched earth Published: 11 September 2023 Peatland Atlas 2023 People have been using peat for heat since the Bronze Age. They still do so today in countries like Finland, Belarus and Rwanda. This is not sustainable – but there are new, climate-friendly ideas for how peatlands can help generate heat and power. By Monika Hohlbein
European Union: defending diversity Published: 11 September 2023 Peatland Atlas 2023 Europe is rich in peat landscapes, which differ widely according to the region and climate. But one thing that the European Union’s programmes to protect peatlands have in common is that they are not very effective. By André Prescher and Christian Rehmer
Supply chains: the consequences of consumption Published: 11 September 2023 Peatland Atlas 2023 The consumption and production of commodities such as timber are major drivers of deforestation and forest degradation. They also cause peatland degradation on a grand scale. By Lea Appulo and Thomas Westhoff
Rewetting: fill it up to the top Published: 11 September 2023 Peatland Atlas 2023 Drainage pipes and ditches are still being used to drain peatlands. Rewetting is urgently needed to protect both the climate and biodiversity. But how does this work – and what do we have to consider? By Jutta Walter and Mathias Büttner
Forestry: peat, wind & fire Published: 11 September 2023 Peatland Atlas 2023 Three percent of the world’s peatlands have been destroyed for forestry purposes, releasing large quantities of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Drained peat soils are the scene of devastating fires that are used to clear land. By Harri Vasander
Livestock: the cows that eat peat Published: 11 September 2023 Peatland Atlas 2023 Our consumption of livestock products has an effect on the climate – through the emission of greenhouse gases and the conversion of natural landscapes into agricultural land. Even more greenhouse gases escape into the atmosphere when peatlands are drained to allow livestock-keeping or to grow fodder crops. By Dr. Sabine Wichmann
Peat: peatlands' raw materials Published: 11 September 2023 Peatland Atlas 2023 Peat consists of dead organic matter accumulated over thousands of years. Since centuries, peat soils have been exploited to obtain fuel or raw material for growing media. Peat extraction and use is harmful to the environment. Sustainable alternatives will only prevail if politicians act. By Greta Gaudig and Olivier Hirschler
Biodiversity: safe havens for ecosystem in danger Published: 11 September 2023 Peatland Atlas 2023 Peatlands all over the world sustain a rich range of habitats and species, including a wide range of threatened and endemic ones. Policymakers are called upon to protect these unique landscapes. By Tatiana Minayeva