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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Tropical peatlands and their contribution to the global carbon cycle and climate change

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Author(s):
Ribeiro, Kelly [1] ; Pacheco, Felipe S. [1] ; Ferreira, Jose W. [1] ; de Sousa-Neto, Eraclito R. [1] ; Hastie, Adam [2] ; Krieger Filho, Guenther C. [3] ; Alvala, Plinio C. [1] ; Forti, Maria C. [1] ; Ometto, Jean P. [1]
Total Authors: 9
Affiliation:
[1] Natl Inst Space Res INPE, Earth Syst Sci Ctr CCST, Av Astronautas 1758, BR-12227000 Sao Jose Dos Campos, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Edinburgh, Sch GeoSci, Edinburgh, Midlothian - Scotland
[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Lab Thermal & Environm Engn, Polytech Sch, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Review article
Source: GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY; v. 27, n. 3 DEC 2020.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Peatlands are carbon-rich ecosystems that cover 185-423 million hectares (Mha) of the earth's surface. The majority of the world's peatlands are in temperate and boreal zones, whereas tropical ones cover only a total area of 90-170 Mha. However, there are still considerable uncertainties in C stock estimates as well as a lack of information about depth, bulk density and carbon accumulation rates. The incomplete data are notable especially in tropical peatlands located in South America, which are estimated to have the largest area of peatlands in the tropical zone. This paper displays the current state of knowledge surrounding tropical peatlands and their biophysical characteristics, distribution and carbon stock, role in the global climate, the impacts of direct human disturbances on carbon accumulation rates and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Based on the new peat extension and depth data, we estimate that tropical peatlands store 152-288 Gt C, or about half of the global peatland emitted carbon. We discuss the knowledge gaps in research on distribution, depth, C stock and fluxes in these ecosystems which play an important role in the global carbon cycle and risk releasing large quantities of GHGs into the atmosphere (CO2 and CH4) when subjected to anthropogenic interferences (e.g., drainage and deforestation). Recent studies show that although climate change has an impact on the carbon fluxes of these ecosystems, the direct anthropogenic disturbance may play a greater role. The future of these systems as carbon sinks will depend on advancing current scientific knowledge and incorporating local understanding to support policies geared toward managing and conserving peatlands in vulnerable regions, such as the Amazon where recent records show increased forest fires and deforestation. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 15/24201-0 - Characterization of peat burning for mitigation of environmental impacts of peat fires in the Paraiba Valley Region
Grantee:Guenther Carlos Krieger Filho
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants