Management Strategies to Protect the Global Carbon Cycle Flashcards
What are some management strategies designed to protect the global carbon cycle?
Wetland restoration, afforestation, sustainable agricultural practices, and controls on greenhouse gas emissions.
What are the different types of wetlands?
Freshwater marshes, salt marshes, peatlands, floodplains, and mangroves.
What percentage of the Earth’s land surface do wetlands occupy?
6-9%.
What percentage of the terrestrial carbon pool do wetlands contain?
35%.
What factors have placed pressure on wetland environments?
Population growth, economic development, and urbanization.
How much has the wetland area in the lower 48 US states halved since 1600?
The wetland area has halved since 1600.
Apart from loss of biodiversity and wildlife habitats, what else does the destruction of wetlands result in?
Destruction of wetlands transfers huge amounts of stored CO2 and CH4 to the atmosphere.
Why has there been a re-evaluation of the importance of wetlands as carbon sinks?
Climate change and the need to reduce CO2 emissions have led to a re-evaluation of the importance of wetlands as carbon sinks.
How much carbon can wetlands store on average per hectare per year?
Wetlands can store on average 3.25 tonnes C/ha/year.
How many hectares have been targeted for wetland restoration in the Canadian prairies?
112,000 hectares have been targeted for restoration in the Canadian prairies.
Which management initiatives reflect the need for protection of wetlands?
The International Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar) and European Union Habitats Directive reflect the need for protection of wetlands.
Where is a wetland restoration project currently taking place in the UK?
A wetland restoration project is currently taking place in east Cambridgeshire, where up to 400 hectares of grade 1 farmland are being converted back to wetland.
What does wetland restoration focus on?
Wetland restoration focuses on raising local water tables to re-create waterlogged conditions.
How can wetlands on floodplains be restored?
Wetlands on floodplains can be reconnected to rivers by the removal of flood embankments and controlled floods.
How can coastal areas of reclaimed marshland be restored?
Coastal areas of reclaimed marshland used for farming can be restored by breaching sea defenses.
How can water levels be maintained at artificially high levels in wetlands?
Water levels can be maintained at artificially high levels by diverting or blocking drainage ditches and installing sluice gates.
What is afforestation?
Afforestation involves planting trees in a previously treeless area or in areas that have never been forested.
What is the benefit of afforestation in relation to carbon levels and climate change?
Afforestation can help reduce atmospheric CO2 levels in the medium to long term and combat climate change as trees are carbon sinks.
Apart from reducing carbon levels, what other benefits does afforestation have?
Afforestation also reduces flood risks, soil erosion, and increases biodiversity.