Scientists outline 50 urgent questions to protect global peatlands
An international team of researchers has identified 50 priority questions aimed at shaping future peatland science and policy, warning that major knowledge gaps threaten efforts to protect ecosystems critical to climate stability. The study, published in Communications Earth & Environment, involved 467 peatland experts from 54 countries and focuses on improving understanding of ecosystems that store more carbon than all the world’s forests combined.
Peatlands cover only around 3 percent of Earth’s land surface yet contain vast amounts of carbon accumulated over thousands of years. When saturated with water and left undisturbed, they function as long term carbon sinks. However, drainage, fires, land conversion, and resource extraction can rapidly transform them into major sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers identified several critical areas where scientific understanding remains incomplete. One major concern is the lack of comprehensive global mapping of peatland distribution, especially in poorly studied regions. Scientists also highlighted uncertainty around the tipping points at which peatlands shift from storing carbon to releasing it into the atmosphere. Additional priorities include integrating Indigenous and traditional ecological knowledge into restoration strategies and improving monitoring through remote sensing and artificial intelligence technologies.
The study emphasizes that peatland management extends beyond environmental science alone. Many of the identified questions relate to governance, land use policy, and the role of local communities. Researchers argue that these dimensions have historically received less attention despite being central to successful conservation and restoration efforts.
Scientists involved in the project stressed that restoring peatlands is more complex than simply rewetting degraded areas. Regional differences, economic trade offs, and long term ecological uncertainties require more detailed research before large scale interventions can be fully effective. In tropical regions in particular, peatlands often support local livelihoods and carry strong cultural significance, making policy decisions more sensitive and complex.
Interest in peatland protection has increased as governments seek nature based climate solutions. Countries including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Indonesia, Canada, and Finland have incorporated peatland protection into national climate strategies. International biodiversity and climate frameworks are also increasingly recognizing their role in carbon storage and ecosystem resilience.
The researchers warned that without coordinated investment and clearly defined scientific priorities, funding efforts may remain fragmented and short term. They argue that peatlands represent a critical factor in future climate stability, with their condition likely to influence the pace of global warming in coming decades.
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