Draining wetlands produces substantial emissions in the Canadian Prairies
4 hours ago
- #wetlands
- #agriculture
- #carbon-emissions
- Wetlands provide essential ecosystem services including water storage, wildlife habitat, and carbon sequestration.
- Wetland drainage in Canada's Prairies for agriculture and urban development releases 2.1 million tonnes of CO₂-eq annually, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Draining wetlands exposes carbon-rich sediments, leading to rapid decomposition and CO₂ release, outweighing any emissions from intact wetlands.
- The study highlights that wetland drainage increases the carbon footprint, contrary to claims of environmental benefits.
- Emissions from wetland drainage are not currently included in Canada's National Inventory Report, underreporting agricultural GHG emissions.
- Preserving wetlands offers multiple benefits, including biodiversity conservation, flood mitigation, and nutrient retention.
- Public willingness to pay for wetland restoration exists, suggesting potential for policy incentives to protect wetlands.