Arctic Warming Spurs Growth of Carbon-Soaking Peatlands

Satellite data indicates recent Arctic peatland expansion with warming

Northern peatlands are an important carbon store in mid to high latitudes, but become increasingly discontinuous in the higher latitudes, associated with temperature and precipitation limits on plant growth. During the last four decades, mean annual temperatures in the Arctic have increased on average by ~3 °C. Warmer temperatures and longer growing seasons likely drive increases in plant productivity throughout northern latitudes, but it is not…

Hidden carbon giants: Satellite data reveals a 40-year Arctic peatland surge

Arctic peatlands are expanding with rising temperatures, storing more carbon at least for now. But future warming could reverse this benefit, releasing massive emissions.

'Collective problem needs collective solution: Global warming projected to increase well beyond 2°'

Arctic peatlands are expanding as the climate warms, new research showed Thursday, a change that could slow global warming in the near term but have the opposite effect in future. Peatlands are the largest terrestrial store of carbon, locking away twice as much heat-trapping CO2 from the atmosphere in their waterlogged soils as all the world's forests. For in-depth analysis and a deeper perspective, FRANCE 24's Alison Sargent welcomes Prof. Joer…

Arctic warming spurs growth of carbon-soaking peatlands

Arctic peatlands are expanding as the climate warms, new research showed Thursday, a change that could slow global heating in the near term but have the opposite effect in future.

Peatlands across the Arctic are expanding as the climate warms, research shows

Scientists used satellite data, drones and on-the-ground observations to assess the edges of existing peatlands (waterlogged ecosystems that store vast amounts of carbon). The study—led by the University of Exeter—found peatlands in the European and Canadian Arctic have expanded outwards in the last 40 years.