Professor Knowler of Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada recently issued a report stating that trees were econonically more valuable standing instead of being cut down due to the carbon stored.( It was reported in the Vancouver Sun and on the news Sept1-6/07) Does anyone know of a similar report about peatlands (bogs)? I know that a report came out from the UN about the role of peatlands in reducing greenhouse gases (Dec. 7/07) and that their destruction contributes 10% (3 billion tonnes) of greenhouse gases annually and that one of the fastest and most economical way to reduce global warming is to immediately stop the destruction of peatlands. Further, do you know of anyone who would be interested in doing such a study and how much it would cost?
Eliza Olson, B.Ed.
President
Burns Bog Conservation Society
4-7953 120 Street,
Delta, BC V4C 6P6
Tel: 604.572.0373
Fax: 604.572.0374
TF 1.888.850.6264
www.burnsbog.org
Economic Evaluation of Peatlands
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Hi Eliza
There has been a huge amount of concern over the destruction of peat land forests in associateion with south east Asian palm oil plantations. Suggest you check out http://www.palmoilaction.org.au/ for information about peatlands, methane release and global warming - & rates of forest clearance in SE Asia.(1.8million hectares rainforest p.a. 2000 - 2005) and 16 million hectares planned in Indonesia (not all peat). Also a good article from www.monbiot.com "Worse than fossil fuel' about the ecological effects of the biodeisel the palm oil is grown to produce. Suggest a good start for information about this & or research into it might be the World Wildlife Fund and other conservation groups but there are references attached to the articles.
Regards
Jane
Jane Yorkston
Senior Health Promotion Officer
Health Promotion Services
Tropical Population Health Unit
Locked Bag 4016 Townsville 4810
Ph: 4753 9039
Fax: 4753 9026
Hi Eliza,
You could try the scottish agricultural college (edinburgh school of agriculture, part of edinburgh uni) - I am almost certain they will have info, and would be interested.
cheers,
Lorna