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Research with world changing impact
Investigations into the human impact on peatlands drives governments' policy on global warming
More and more of the world’s peatland forests have been destroyed in recent years. In their place, oil palm and acacia plantations are being created to supply the raw materials for the biofuel and paper industries. But according to Dr Sue Page from the Department of Geography at the University of Leicester, this approach to biofuels – seen by some as a solution to global warming – can cause the release of up to 30 times more CO2 emissions than it saves, with potentially disastrous implications.
Dr Page leads the EU-funded CARBOPEAT project, which has raised global awareness of the impact humans have on tropical peatlands – 68 per cent of which are in South East Asia. To highlight and address the worsening situation, CARBOPEAT brought 200 scientists, land managers and government representatives together at International Symposia held in Indonesia, Malaysia and Europe during 2007 and 2008.
The problems facing the region – largely due to a significant increase in greenhouse gases resulting from the destruction of the peatlands and uncontrolled forest and peatland fires - were explored in depth and action plans employing appropriate fire control, water management and restorative measures were formulated for implementation by the region’s key stakeholders.
So, far from merely conducting ‘back-room’ research, Dr Page and her team have made a far-reaching impact not just on government policy within South East Asia, but on the very future of the planet.
