99% Invisible For the Love of Peat
Oct 13, 2020
Peatlands, often overlooked, are incredible carbon sinks that store five times more carbon than forests. The podcast uncovers their critical role in climate action and the historical missteps in forestry practices. It dives into the rich language surrounding bogs, exploring their cultural significance and the myths that surround them. Listeners also learn about the importance of preserving these ecosystems despite industrial pressures. Innovations in technology are highlighted as essential for monitoring the health of peatlands, crucial in our fight against climate change.
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Tax-Break Tree Planting
- In the 1980s, the UK government used tax breaks to incentivize tree planting.
- This was meant to boost timber supply, attracting investors like the band Genesis.
Flow Country Targeted
- The Flow Country in Scotland, Europe's largest blanket bog, was targeted for tree planting.
- Seen as a wasteland, it was considered ideal for this initiative despite its unique ecosystem.
Peat's Power
- Peat, formed in bogs like the Flow Country, is a powerful carbon sink.
- It accumulates over millennia due to slow decomposition in waterlogged conditions.
