Reviving floodplain wetlands slashes carbon emissions by 39% and restores critical ecosystem functions in one year – without the methane spike typically seen in restored peatlands, a new study has found.
Reviving floodplain wetlands slashes carbon emissions by 39% and restores critical ecosystem functions in one year – without the methane spike typically seen in restored peatlands, a new study has found.
Peatlands are known as top carbon sinks, but can produce up to 530% more methane after restoration, potentially offsetting short-term climate benefits.
Whereas floodplain, or riparian wetlands, which comprise over half of global wetlands, are often overlooked due to their lower carbon storage.
Now a new study in the Journal of Environmental Management reveals restored floodplain wetlands can recover within a year and show substantial ecosystem benefits rapidly.
Read more at RMIT University
Image: Image of restored wetland. (Credit: RMIT)
