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North Carolina's 'Black Gold' Could Save the Climate
9 Sep
Summary
- Peatlands store one-third of Earth's carbon, more than all forests.
- Degraded peatlands release huge volumes of greenhouse gases annually.
- Restoration project uses carbon credits to fund conservation efforts.
Peatlands in North Carolina's Inner Banks, holding up to 15 feet of ancient carbon-rich soil, are being targeted for urgent restoration. Once drained for agriculture decades ago, these ecosystems now emit significant amounts of climate-warming carbon dioxide.
These vital peatlands, covering only 3% of global land, store one-third of Earth's carbon. When degraded, they release large volumes of greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. Pantheon Regeneration plans to restore these areas by controlling water tables and culling invasive species.
The project models successful efforts at adjacent wildlife refuges, which support endangered species and migrating birds. Pantheon's unique approach involves selling carbon credits to corporations seeking to offset emissions.
This initiative aims to permanently conserve and rewild a million acres of peatland from Virginia to Florida over the next decade. The restoration is seen as a critical natural climate solution, far more effective than reforestation in carbon sequestration.
