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Peatlands, vital ecosystems that regulate climate and support biodiversity, are being increasingly threatened by human activities worldwide, according to a new report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The Global Peatland Hotspot Atlas, launched today at the UN Climate Change Conference in Baku (COP29), reveals that 177 out of 193 UN Member States are home to peatlands, many of which are facing degradation from agriculture, urbanization, deforestation, and industrial activities.

Peatlands: The World's Carbon Vaults

Despite covering only 3-4% of the Earth’s land surface, peatlands hold a staggering one-third of the world’s soil carbon—twice the amount stored in all the planet's forests. These carbon-rich ecosystems act as critical climate regulators, locking away vast quantities of carbon and preventing its release into the atmosphere. Yet, when damaged, peatlands become significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to around 4% of global emissions from human activities.

“Peatlands, nature’s carbon vaults, can make or break global climate goals,” said Susan Gardner, Director of UNEP’s Ecosystems Division. “They provide invaluable services to millions of people and are critical to our climate strategies. Protecting these ecosystems is not just an environmental priority—it’s an investment in human wellbeing.”

The Threats Facing Peatlands Worldwide

The new atlas identifies key regions where peatlands are under the most pressure, including East and Southeast Asia, where agricultural practices such as oil palm plantations and livestock farming are causing extensive degradation. Thawing permafrost in northern regions, driven by climate change, is another growing threat to peatland health. UNEP reports that approximately 500,000 hectares of intact peatlands—roughly 0.1% of the total—are destroyed each year, pushing ecosystems further toward collapse.

Locally, peatlands are invaluable, providing clean water, supporting livelihoods, and acting as buffers against natural disasters like floods, droughts, and fires. They are also home to more than 1,000 endangered plant and animal species, underscoring their importance beyond just climate regulation.