Peatlands & Climate Change: The Connections

“Preserving Ireland’s Peatlands: Nature’s Carbon Heroes”

Nature Network Ireland’s Peatlands and Climate Change Project is dedicated to understanding and preserving the vital role of peatlands in combating climate change. These unique ecosystems are not just landscapes – they’re carbon sinks, biodiversity havens and climate regulators.

Climate change is dramatically shaping our world today with extreme weather events happening more often. We are also experiencing changes to our weather patterns, for example, warmer winters and earlier springs. This has a knock on effect on wildlife, for example, when to hibernate, migrate and reproduce. Nature Network Ireland have worked on programmes and events to increase awareness on climate change and the impacts it has on our natural world.

Why Peatlands Matter

Peatlands cover approximately 20.6% of Ireland’s national land area [1]. While peatlands cover just 3% of Earth’s land surface, they store 30% of the world’s soil carbon.

Peatlands are inherently important for;

• Mitigating climate change impacts
• Sequestering carbon
• Providing natural flood mitigation
• Preserving and supporting biodiversity
• Water purification for good water quality

Peatland habitats support many species of flora and fauna. These include plants such as the rare near threatened bog orchid, the marsh fritillary butterfly, birds like the red grouse, Eurasian curlew and lapwing and the common frog and lizard. It is essential that we restore and conserve these species’ habitats.

Peatlands are remarkable carbon sinks. Healthy peatlands absorb and store CO2, while damaged peatlands release it. Restoration is crucial to reversing this trend.

Healthy peatlands act like giant sponges, absorbing and retaining water. This unique ability helps regulate water levels and contributes to natural flood mitigation in surrounding areas.

The Impacts of Climate Change

Climate change is impacting peatlands in Ireland in several ways as it is leading to changes in temperature and precipitation patterns. Peat degradation is one of the major consequences. For example as temperatures rise the rate of organic material decay in peatlands increases. Higher temperatures can lead to changes in precipitation patterns and increased evaporation which can lead to the drying of peatlands. These conditions can also increase the risk of wildfires in peatlands.

In degraded peatlands the rate of decomposition of organic matter increases which leads to an increase of carbon being released into the atmosphere. As degraded peatlands no longer have the capacity to effectively retain water this leads to increased risk of flooding downstream. As well as this, degradation of peatlands impacts the diversity of flora and fauna these habitats support.

Project Goals

• Raise awareness about peatlands’ significance and role in carbon sequestration, climate regulation, and natural flood management.
• Collaborate with local communities for sustainable peatland management.
• Advocate for peatland preservation through policy and education.

Nature Network Ireland hopes to raise awareness of the significance of peatlands in carbon sequestration and natural flood management and demonstrate the rich biodiversity they support.

Free Online Education Pack

We have produced a free online course “Peatlands & Climate Change: The Connections”, with a series of engaging short videos, informational booklets, and interactive quizzes and more available on our education portal. The education pack offers an insightful exploration of the ecological significance of peatlands in Ireland and their impact on the global climate.Through these resources we hope to inspire individuals to take action in protecting and preserving these vital ecosystems. These resources are free and available to everyone. Access these resources on our education web-page by clicking the button below.

Activities & Community Involvement

Nature Network Ireland has facilitated educational workshops in two very diverse geographical regions – Cork and Kerry. These hands on workshops shed light on the importance of protecting these unique habitats, and explore the critical role peatlands play.

Watch our video below of the ‘Peatlands and Climate Change’ workshop we held at the incredible peatlands of Cloghane, Co. Kerry. It was inspiring to learn about these unique ecosystems and their role in carbon storage, biodiversity and flood prevention.

Nature Network Ireland runs regular public events, workshops and webinars. To find out more and learn how to get involved, visit our web page under Attend Events or find us on Ticket Tailor – Nature Network Ireland.

Free Resources and Downloads

This project is funded by the Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme administered through the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

References

[1] ‘Mapping peat soils in Ireland: updating the derived Irish peat map’, Connolly and Holden, 2009