Peatlands — rich densely packed soils made up of dead organic matter, mainly plants — are known as 'carbon sinks' for their ability to store more carbon per unit area than any other ecosystem. Although they occupy only 3-5 per cent of the earth's land and fresh water surface, they absorb 25-30 per cent of the world's carbon dioxide.
"Drainage starts a rapid process of decomposition, made worse by annual peat fires that last for months... Together these contribute large amounts of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere."
On a global level, it is essential that the Kyoto Protocol, which is limited to emissions caused by industry, housing, traffic and agriculture, includes emissions from soil and degraded vegetation.
http://www.scidev.net/content/news/eng/climate-change-action-must-include-peatlands.cfm
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