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Peatlands are the most common type of wetlands, consisting of thick soil layers of partially decomposed organic matter. These ecosystems cover 13 per cent of Canada’s land area, which corresponds to 27 per cent of the world’s peatlands. They provide essential benefits like clean water and food, flood protection, and habitat for a myriad of unique species. Peatlands are also one of the planet’s most effective carbon storage systems, holding about 60 per cent of Canada’s organic soil carbon. More details about Canadian peatlands can be found in the NRCAN database.

Even in the quiet of winter, microorganisms are hard at work in peatlands, cycling nutrients such as carbon. As a result, during winter, peatlands tend to release carbon dioxide (CO₂) through microbial respiration because the plants that absorb CO₂ are dormant. In contrast, plants take in CO₂, via photosynthesis, during the growing season (GS). These seasonal dynamics generally balance out, with peatlands acting as net CO₂ sinks over the course of the year. In Canada, however, winter temperatures are rising faster than other seasons. Warmer winters result in shorter cold periods and longer GSs. While a longer GS may increase the amount of CO₂ peatlands absorb, the warmer conditions could also boost microbial activity, potentially offsetting the extra CO₂ absorbed by plants. This shift in seasonal dynamics could tip the balance and weaken the ability of peatlands to act as carbon sinks. Understanding these seasonal changes is crucial for predicting how peatlands will respond to a changing climate and provide insights into their potential role as nature-based solutions.