Preservation and Restoration of Ireland's Peatlands Will Reduce the Amount of Carbon Dioxide in the Atmosphere

Abstract

Climate change, and the e¬ffects of climate change, are of critical importance to the planet and to those who inhabit it. Trees are being planted throughout the world, but they may not be the most efficient way to capture carbon from the atmosphere. This study performed an extensive literature search to determine the relevance of peatlands in capturing carbon. We found that less nitrogen is needed to capture carbon in peatlands than other types of soils, and that overall, the preservation and restoration of Ireland’s peatlands are a key part in combatting climate change by reducing the buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.