Restoring Europe’s Peatlands: The Role of the NRL in Achieving Climate and Biodiversity goals
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Peatlands
Peatlands, covering just 3% of the Earth’s surface, are vital ecosystems that store carbon more effectively than any other terrestrial habitat, making them essential in global climate regulation. They also support unique biodiversity and play a crucial role in water management. However, when degraded, peatlands become significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Europe has lost 10% of its natural peatlands, with 80% of remaining peatland habitats in poor condition. The EU’s Nature Restoration Law (NRL) seeks to address this crisis by setting binding restoration targets, with a focus on peatlands for carbon storage, disaster mitigation, and biodiversity recovery.
This paper explores the NRL’s implications, particularly for peatlands, and evaluates how member states can implement these goals. It examines the NRL’s restoration targets, their potential to meet climate objectives, and the challenges of achieving meaningful restoration.
Read the full paper to learn more about the Nature Restoration Law and its critical role in restoring peatlands.