In this webinar, Professor Joseph Holden, Chartered Geographer, Director of Water and Chair of Physical Geography at the University of Leeds, examines recent research on peatlands and investigate the major threats that peatlands face globally. Professor Holden shows how an understanding of peatland processes enables us to better predict impacts of peatland degradation or restoration (e.g. on flood risk, water quality, greenhouse gas forcing) and how to prioritise locations for investment to rehabilitate or conserve peatlands.
Peatlands are found in most countries, cover 2.84% of the world’s land area and hold close to half of the world’s soil carbon. Changes to peatland processes caused by land management or climate that destabilise these carbon stores are therefore crucial.