Lahan gambut terbesar di dunia ditemukan di Congo - Tomonews

Summary

Scientists have recently discovered the largest tropical peatland in the world, located in the Congo region. This vast peatland spans 145,500 km², larger than the UK, and holds 30 billion tons of carbon, equivalent to three years of global fossil fuel emissions. Peatlands, formed from decomposed plant material, act as carbon sinks, removing carbon from the atmosphere. However, if drained for agriculture, peatlands can release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, worsening climate change. Experts emphasize the importance of protecting this newly discovered peatland to prevent environmental damage.

Takeaways

• 😀 The largest tropical peatland in the world has been discovered in the Congo region.
• 😀 This newly found peatland spans an area of 145,500 km², larger than the United Kingdom.
• 😀 The Central Cuvette peatland contains 30 billion tons of carbon, equivalent to three years of global fossil fuel emissions.
• 😀 Peat is an organic substance formed from decayed plant material.
• 😀 Peatlands act as carbon sinks, removing carbon from the atmosphere through plant growth.
• 😀 When peatlands dry out, for instance due to drainage for agriculture, they can release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.
• 😀 The release of carbon dioxide from drained peatlands contributes to climate change.
• 😀 Central Cuvette peatland is vital in terms of carbon storage and requires protection to prevent environmental degradation.
• 😀 Scientists emphasize the importance of safeguarding peatlands to avoid further damage to the ecosystem.
• 😀 Peatlands' role in carbon sequestration is crucial for combating climate change and maintaining global environmental health.

Q & A

What was recently discovered in the Congo region?

The world's largest tropical peatland was recently discovered in the Congo region, spanning between two areas of the Congo, known as Central Cuvette.

How large is the newly discovered peatland?

The newly discovered peatland covers an area of 145,500 km², which is larger than the entire United Kingdom.

What is the significance of the carbon locked in this peatland?

The peatland contains 30 billion tons of carbon, which is equivalent to three years of global fossil fuel emissions.

What is peat and how does it form?

Peat is an organic material that forms from the remains of dead plants, accumulating over time in waterlogged conditions.

How does peatland act as a carbon sink?

Peatland acts as a carbon sink by trapping carbon in the soil and preventing it from being released into the atmosphere through plant growth.

What happens if peatland dries out?

If peatland dries out, for instance, through drainage for agriculture, it can lead to further decomposition of the peat, which releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.

Why is it crucial to protect Central Cuvette peatland?

Protecting the Central Cuvette peatland is essential to prevent environmental damage and safeguard the carbon stored in the peatland, thus reducing the risk of further climate change.

What is the potential environmental impact if the peatland is disturbed?

Disturbing the peatland, such as through draining or agricultural activities, could lead to the release of large amounts of carbon dioxide, significantly contributing to global warming.

What role do scientists suggest for this peatland in the fight against climate change?

Scientists emphasize that protecting the peatland is critical to mitigating climate change, as it stores large amounts of carbon and helps to regulate the global carbon cycle.

How does peatland prevent carbon from entering the atmosphere?

Peatland prevents carbon from entering the atmosphere by trapping it in the form of organic material, essentially locking it away from the air as plants grow and decay in waterlogged conditions.