“There’s a revolution that needs to happen and it starts from inside each of us. We need to wake up and fall in love with the Earth. Our personal and collective survival depends on it.”
Meet peat… the most powerful carbon sink on Earth, capable of holding twice as much carbon as a pristine redwood forest.
A peat bog in Shetland, UK
Peatlands are the planet’s second most carbon rich ecosystem made up of layers of partially decayed plant material trapping carbon absorbed from the atmosphere by plants. Peatlands cover about 3 percent of the earth's land surface but can hold as much as half of the carbon dioxide (CO2) that is in the atmosphere. The actual peat grows about 1mm a year on a healthy bog whereas a damaged bog loses about 2-3 cms a year releasing stored carbon into the air.
The carbon sequestered in Scottish peatland is equivalent to 140 years of Scotland's total annual greenhouse gas emissions. About 50% of Shetland is covered in peat, but Scottish Natural Heritage estimated that 70% of Shetland's peatlands are damaged, therefore releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Sue White showing me a peat bog that was under restoration, November 2018, Shetland, UK.
Last year, I had the honor of meeting with Sue White, the Peatland ACTION Project Officer in Shetland, UK. I knew peat was an important part of the Shetland culture, particularly as a source of fuel to heat homes but I had absolutely no idea just how valuable this soil was. Before my visit, I thought of it as an energy source for heat… after 1 hour with Sue, I’d come to realize it’s one of the most important CARBON SINKS on the PLANET.
My visit with Sue was one of the highlights of my trip. I was amazed at how little I knew about peat and what I learned from her in such a short time. Sue’s job is to educate people about peat bogs, map damaged/eroded peat bogs, seek funding for restoration projects AND to restore them. Her work in this remote area of the world truly impacts all of us.
Sue recently wrote “I did a quick back of the envelope calculation for Shetland- our damaged bogs are emitting over a million tonnes equivalent of CO2 per year, that’s the same as over 200,000 cars.” So, restoring these precious lands is crucial work.
Sue White on location at a current restoration project in Shetland, UK.
I asked Sue if she could share her thoughts on the relationship between peat bogs and peace. Here’s her amazing response:
“Interesting! There is personal peace- I get to know a site incredibly well and for me that closeness and being out and at one with the environment is where I find peace. On one of my sites I can stand and look north to Ronas Hill (highest point in Shetland), I can see the Garthsness to the south, almost the most southerly tip of Shetland, to the east, the isle of Whalsay and looking west there is a wee chink in the hills where Foula (most westerly island) lines up perfectly. When a wee flock of snow buntings go by in a flurry that is perfect.”
She continues,
“But on a global/humanwide scale - much of the damage to peatlands is human in origin (drainage, cutting peat or overgrazing), and we as humans are busy destroying our planet in so many other ways. Peatland restoration is about atoning for that damage and making peace with the planet.”
Thank you Sue for all you do!
Peace in action!
Daily peace tip #17
Today, take a walk (or a sit in a park) and with each step (or breath) become aware of your feet on the Earth. Bring your attention to the ground and allow your thoughts to honor the Earth. If it’s warm enough to knit, perhaps take a few stitches with the planet in mind.
“…fall in love with the Earth.”
Sue referenced this website for many of the facts provided.
A healthy, restored bog. Shetland, UK.