UNEP: Global Peatland Hotspot Atlas

Despite their critical role in mitigating climate change and providing essential ecosystem services, peatlands face significant threats and remain among the most poorly understood and under-monitored ecosystems globally.

Peatlands are unique and rare ecosystems that, despite only covering around 3-4% of the planet’s land surface, contain up to one-third of the world’s soil carbon - twice the amount of carbon found in the world’s forests.

Peatlands also help regulate and purify water, support local livelihoods, and reduce the risks of fires, drought, and floods.

The new report evaluates the current status of peatlands worldwide and highlights the challenges posed by urbanization, industrialization, land use changes, and climate change.

Through newly-designed hotspot maps and visualizations of peatland distribution, the Atlas promotes climate action in priority areas through holistic water management and a landscape approach.

• Explore the Atlas here.