Summary:
- Tropical peatlands are wetland ecosystems found in tropical regions, particularly in Southeast Asia, Central Africa, and parts of Central and South America.
- These peatlands play a crucial role in carbon storage, holding vast amounts of carbon in their soil. They are estimated to store around 100 billion tons of carbon, which is equivalent to about 10 years' worth of global greenhouse gas emissions.
- However, tropical peatlands are often overlooked and undervalued, facing threats such as deforestation, drainage, and conversion to agricultural land. Protecting and restoring these unique ecosystems is essential for mitigating climate change and preserving biodiversity.