#73 KlimaGoodNews: Climate Treasure Peatland
Peatlands are indispensable ecosystems with tremendous potential for climate protection. Despite covering only 3 to 4% of the Earth’s land surface, they store twice as much carbon as all the world’s forests combined. Peatlands also serve as a crucial natural defense against flooding. Many peatlands are home to special plants called sphagnum mosses, which act like natural sponges, absorbing and retaining large amounts of water. Particularly raised bogs – peatlands that rely mainly on rainwater and are exceptionally wet – can retain up to 90% of rainfall during heavy downpours.
However, peatlands are often drained to make land available for agriculture, forestry, or settlements, releasing significant amounts of CO₂. In Germany, around 7% of greenhouse gas emissions stem from drained peatlands – equivalent to the entire steel industry. Regions with extensive peatland areas are especially affected. Restoring degraded peatlands is therefore crucial to reducing climate-damaging emissions. Studies show that rewetting peatlands can save up to 30 tons of CO₂ equivalents per hectare per year.
Peatland conservation thus holds enormous potential for climate protection. This edition of KlimaGoodNews is all about these climate saviors: Discover exciting projects that bring hope for peatlands and the climate. Enjoy reading 💚
Qualification Program for Peatland Specialists Launched in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has launched the “Moorspezialist*innen” program to specifically train skilled personnel for peatland climate protection. University graduates will receive practical training to support peatland climate protection projects nationwide in the future. The state will receive approximately €34 million from the Natural Climate Protection Action Program (ANK) for this initiative.
In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, 13% of the state’s area is covered by peatlands – a valuable climate protection asset. However, drained peatlands are responsible for one-third of the state's CO₂ emissions. To counteract this, 20 projects to rewet peatlands are currently being prepared. This effort also requires more specialists in peatland conservation.
The training program addresses this need: It is targeted at graduates from various fields and includes practical placements in engineering offices, water and soil associations, and municipal institutions. Additionally, theoretical knowledge will be provided at the University of Greifswald.
So far, around 35,000 hectares of peatland have been restored in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The new program aims to further advance rewetting efforts and achieve climate protection goals by 2040.
Paludiculture as a Future Model for Agriculture on Peatlands
With the initiative “toMOORow” the Michael Otto Environmental Foundation aims to rewet one million hectares of drained peatlands in Germany and utilize them for agricultural purposes. The concept: Instead of simply flooding the areas, farmers will cultivate using the method known as paludiculture. This involves growing plants such as cattails, reeds, or sedges, which thrive on wet soils and can serve as renewable raw materials for industrial products.
According to Claudia Bühler, the foundation’s director, the agricultural use of rewetted peatlands is a key strategy to reduce the approximately 53 million tons of CO₂ emissions released from drained peatlands. Together with 15 companies, including WEPA and the Otto Group, the initiative aims to secure the market for paludi biomass, offering farmers a viable economic perspective.
In addition to economic utilization, the initiative also seeks to promote biodiversity. Initial projects in Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern demonstrate that biodiversity on the wet areas has significantly increased. However, to achieve these ambitious goals, further political support, financial incentives, and tailored funding instruments for farmers are necessary.
🎊 Earthly Delights
Climate Protection with Sphagnum Moss: An Innovative Approach from Schleswig-Holstein
Cornelius Quint from Husum has developed a method to accelerate the growth of sphagnum moss in rewetted peatlands. Sphagnum moss is a plant species that thrives in wet peatlands and can absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide. It forms dense mats that gradually build up peat, acting as a natural carbon sink over time.
Quint’s concept involves small cubes of cultivated sphagnum moss embedded in a plant-based gelatin substitute. These cubes are placed in the moist peat soil to encourage moss growth and promote rewetting. Quint recently launched his first field trial in the Offenbüttel Moor (Dithmarschen district), where he, together with the Schleswig-Holstein Nature Conservation Foundation, distributed around 100 kilograms of moss cubes.
In September, the trial will be assessed to determine whether the method is effective and can be implemented on a larger scale. In 2022, Quint’s idea won the special prize from the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture at the “Jugend forscht” competition. If successful, his method could become a key component in peatland climate protection, significantly enhancing the carbon storage capacity of peatlands.
NDR
💯 Number of the Week
€34 Million - for a Peatland Restoration Project
The “RePeat” project aims to restore three peatlands in the Hannover region, with a budget of €34 million. Ten million euros come from the EU’s LIFE program, while the state of Lower Saxony and the Hannover region each contribute twelve million euros. The targeted peatlands include fauna-flora habitat areas as well as nature and landscape conservation areas.
The project involves closing drainage ditches and establishing new water management systems to revive peatlands as significant CO₂ sinks.
Lower Saxony’s climate law aims to reduce annual emissions from peat soils by 1.65 million tons of CO₂ equivalents by 2030. Regional President Steffen Krach is targeting climate neutrality for the entire Hannover region by 2035.
The “RePeat” project is expected to contribute to these goals while simultaneously protecting endangered animal and plant species. The initiative is led by the Lower Saxony State Agency for Water Management, Coastal and Nature Conservation (NLWKN) and will be implemented over the next ten years.
Redaktion AltkreisBlitz
💪 Challenge of the Week
Become a Peatland Guardian with NABU & Protect the Unique Peatland Ecosystem
Over 95% of Germany’s Peatlands Are Already Destroyed – But There Is Hope: More than 20% of Germany’s land area still holds potential for restoration. To tap into this potential, nature conservation organizations like NABU (Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union) are taking action. NABU focuses on rewetting, purchasing peatland areas for long-term protection, and managing nature reserves to bring peatlands back to life. Additionally, they educate the public about peat-free gardening and engage in peatland conservation projects worldwide.
Our challenge for this week:
Become a Peatland Guardian! Support NABU’s work and help preserve peatlands as vital habitats and climate protectors.
🙏 Become a peatland guardian with NABU and contribute to protecting this unique ecosystem. Even the smallest amounts can make a significant impact on the restoration of peatlands – whether as a one-time donation or a regular contribution.
💚 Or give a peatland sponsorship as a gift, bringing joy to the recipient and supporting nature at the same time.
Learn more about the peatland sponsorship program and get started today. Join the cause and make a stand for climate protection and biodiversity!
Thank you for reading KlimaGoodNews #73 💚
We’re already looking forward to the next edition with more positive news for a more sustainable future together!