What proportion of terrestrial carbon is stored in wetlands?

Wetlands are incredibly important ecosystems in the context of carbon storage. They play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle by acting as significant carbon sinks. It's estimated that wetlands store about 20% of the terrestrial carbon. This proportional storage is substantial considering that wetlands cover only a small fraction of the Earth's land surface.

The figure of approximately 850 billion tons reflects the dense organic material and peat that accumulate in wetland environments due to their anaerobic conditions, which slow down decomposition. This leads to a higher accumulation of carbon compared to other terrestrial environments. Wetlands not only contribute to carbon storage but also provide numerous additional ecosystem services, such as water filtration, flood control, and habitat for a diverse range of species.

Understanding the role of wetlands in carbon storage reinforces their value in climate change mitigation strategies, as conserving and restoring these ecosystems can help maintain or increase their carbon storage capacities.