Long-Term Satellite Analysis Shows Positive Impacts of Peatland Restoration

An international research team led by Aalto University has published a pivotal large-scale analysis demonstrating the positive effects of peatland restoration in the northern hemisphere, utilizing over two decades of satellite data. This groundbreaking study, featured in the journal *Environmental Research Letters*, highlights how restoration efforts can significantly alter key climate metrics such as surface albedo and temperature, making restored peatlands more akin to their intact counterparts within a decade.

The lead author of the study, Iuliia Burdun, a Postdoctoral Researcher at Aalto University, indicated that the analysis relied on a time series of satellite imagery from NASA, which tracked crucial climate variables across 72 peatland sites located in Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. These regions are notable for their substantial peatland coverage, which plays a critical role in carbon sequestration and biodiversity support. Burdun stated, "The albedo and temperature of restored areas began to resemble intact peatlands rather than drained peatlands, across nearly all the studied areas."

Historically, peatlands have been vital ecosystems, but they face significant threats from drainage for agriculture and peat extraction, which have led to the release of stored carbon and contributed to approximately 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. According to Professor Miina Rautiainen, who co-led the study, the restoration of these ecosystems is not only necessary for climate mitigation but is also mandated by the EU Restoration Regulation. Rautiainen emphasized the need for accurate monitoring of restoration progress, advocating for satellite data as a crucial tool for assessing ecosystem health over extensive geographical areas.

The study revealed that while changes in temperature and albedo were relatively swift following restoration efforts, vegetation recovery was more gradual and inconsistent. Burdun explained the complexities involved, noting that while simply blocking drainage ditches can initiate restoration, additional interventions such as tree removal in forested areas or planting moss in barren peatlands may be necessary to facilitate vegetation regrowth.

This research underscores the urgency of peatland restoration, particularly in light of Finland's significant peatland coverage—approximately one-third of the country's land area, half of which remains drained. The findings suggest that large-scale restoration initiatives are not only feasible but essential in combating climate change and preserving biodiversity.

The implications of this research extend beyond regional concerns. The methodologies and outcomes could inform global peatland restoration strategies and contribute to international efforts aimed at mitigating climate impacts. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, the restoration of peatlands emerges as a crucial strategy, supported by data-driven insights from satellite monitoring.

In conclusion, the analysis presented by Burdun and her colleagues highlights the importance of integrating advanced technologies in environmental restoration efforts. As nations pursue ambitious climate goals, the restoration of peatlands stands as a vital component of a broader strategy to enhance ecosystem resilience and promote sustainable land management practices.