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Environment: the forests of Congo, a green lung to be preserved
Peatlands, carbon sinks located in the middle of forests, help limit global warming. The Democratic Republic of Congo is full of these peatlands, which must be preserved.
(France 2)
Peatlands, carbon sinks located in the middle of forests, help limit global warming. The Democratic Republic of Congo is full of these peatlands, which must be preserved.
To access it, you have to go deep into the heart of the equatorial forest. The largest tropical peatland in the world is located in the middle of the Congo Basin. An immense green lung, it covers the equivalent of a third of the surface area of France. This forest is home to a valuable and little-known ecosystem that captures immense amounts of carbon. Its preservation is essential to the survival of the planet.
Peatlands are threatened by deforestation and global warming
During expeditions, Congolese and British researchers want to unravel the mysteries of this peat bog. Accumulation of dead plants, peat decomposes very slowly thanks to ambient humidity. Thus, the carbon is not released into the atmosphere and remains trapped at ground level.
Discovered in 2021 by scientists, these peat bogs are analyzed in order to understand how they work. But with climate change, these wetlands are drying up and are threatened by deforestation and human construction. The trees are also exploited by the local population, particularly for palm wine, in order to generate necessary income. The Congolese government is calling for international aid to preserve its forest and peatlands.
