Did you know that wetlands may be our best chance at fighting back against climate change? The biodiverse environment of a wetland allows it to take on a wide variety of actions that can mitigate the effects of our changing climate. Some people may underestimate wetlands, but they are actually powerful fighters against climate change. Let’s explore why.

Carbon Capture

Through a process known as carbon sequestration, wetlands act as “Carbon Sinks” to store carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses in their vegetation and unique soils. 

Wetlands can capture and store both blue and green carbon. Blue carbon is stored in coastal and marine ecosystems such as salt marshes, mangroves, and seagrasses. Green carbon is based in terrestrial ecosystems, or land-based vegetation, such as wet meadows, swamps, and the forested wetlands of the northeast.  Working to conserve wetlands and maintain their function is important so they can continue to do what’s “in their nature” to help combat climate change impacts.

Flood Protection

Climate change may impact many different facets of our environment, including sea levels, precipitation patterns, and the amount of water in our atmosphere. As we witness changes in storm patterns and precipitation, we should be looking at wetlands to provide buffering and protection in developed areas. Wetlands protect inland areas from flooding and storm surge, while also helping to filter out sediment in stormwater flows.

This is just another reason why the conservation of wetlands is part of our mission at Cherry Ridge LLC.

Drought and Wildlife Protection

In times of drought, wetlands play a crucial role in retaining excess water. Similar to sponges, wetlands can hold and retain a lot of water, releasing the excess to surface waters (i.e. streams, lakes) or to recharge groundwater, offering essential hydration to the environment and wildlife during dry spells. This function also acts as a protective barrier for animals in need of relief during a drought.

Wetlands not only serve as a water source but may also contribute to cooler temperatures, particularly forested wetlands. Their unique properties make them a valuable resource for maintaining ecological balance and supporting biodiversity in challenging conditions.

Land Management Decisions

Land managers in urban areas are starting to look at wetlands and the possible use of created wetlands (those that are man-made) to help mitigate our global population’s need for infrastructure and housing development. The ongoing conversation on climate change and how simple conservation of an existing natural resource could help mitigate the impacts is and will continue to drive land development decisions. 
If you are interested in learning more about how wetlands could be our best resource to combat climate change and why they deserve conservation, contact Cherry Ridge LLC for more information today!