Why is Peat Bad for the Environment?

Peat, a carbon and rich natural resource that has been around for thousands of years, plays a crucial role in our environment. Its extraction and extensive use in gardening have raised serious concerns about its impact on the environment and climate stability. 

In the UK alone, degraded peatlands emit around 23 million tonnes of CO2 annually. The harm from its extraction is clear, as this destroyed habitats for wildlife, leading to a decline in biodiversity. Therefore, understanding these issues is essential for addressing climate change and preserving vital ecosystems.

This piece will explore the environmental harm of peat, and we will focus on its impact on carbon emissions, biodiversity, and water systems backed by relevant statistics and expert insights.

Peat is partially decomposed organic matter formed in waterlogged conditions, typically in bogs and wetlands, over thousands of years. This unique soil plays a crucial role in carbon storage, holding more carbon than all the world’s forests combined.

It consists primarily of plant material, especially sphagnum moss, and accumulates in wetlands called peatlands. These ecosystems cover about 3-4% of Earth's land surface but store as much carbon as all forests combined.

They are classified into different types based on various factors, including their degree of decomposition, colour, and physical properties.

The main types are:

White peat, despite its name, is actually yellow-brown. It forms the uppermost layer of peat bogs and is characterised by a low degree of decomposition, pH value between 3.0 and 4.0 and excellent water and air storage capacity.

Black peat is found in the deepest and oldest layers of peat bogs. Its characteristics include a high degree of decomposition from upper layers, barely recognisable plant remains, minimal shrinkage, and high water capacity when adequately processed.

Horticulture grade peat, also known as "medium/coarse" grade, is the most widely used type. It is a blend of less decomposed peat (H1-H3 on the Von Post scale), excellent for promoting plant root development, and commonly used in flowering plant and vegetable production.

Coarse/Chunk peat is the most fibrous and blonde in colour. It is characterised by medium water retention and high aeration. Often used for plants requiring highly porous growing media, such as azaleas, camellias, and orchids.

Peat gained popularity in horticulture during the mid-20th century due to its excellent water retention and aeration properties. Widely used in potting composts, it's particularly beneficial for acid-loving plants.

In the UK, its extraction for horticulture peaked in the late 20th century.

However, awareness of peat's environmental impact has grown since then, decreasing its usage. Recently, as of 2024, the UK government banned the retail sales of peat-based composts. Professional growers are transitioning to peat-free alternatives like coco coir, wood fibre, and composted green waste, with a complete ban expected by 2030.

Peatlands, despite covering only 3% to 4% of Earth's land surface, store twice as much carbon as all forests combined, making them crucial carbon sinks in the global ecosystem. These wetland ecosystems play a crucial role in climate regulation and biodiversity conservation.

However, 12% of global peatlands are degraded, releasing greenhouse gases and contributing to climate change. To address this issue, the UK aims to restore 280,000 hectares by 2050. 

The UK Peatland Strategy Progress Report 2024 outlines an ambitious target for peatland management. By 2040, the goal is to have two million hectares of peatland in good condition. This includes areas under restoration or being sustainably managed.

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Data source: Global Peatland Initiative

However, human activities have degraded about 12% of global peatlands, releasing significant amounts of greenhouse gases. Drained peatlands contribute approximately 5% of annual global anthropogenic emissions, equivalent to 1.9 gigatonnes of CO2e, according to IUCN.

The extraction for horticulture, energy production, and agriculture degrades the environment, causing a loss of biodiversity.

Besides, draining peatlands also leads to soil erosion and water contamination, harming nearby wildlife and plant species. The destruction of peatlands can take centuries to reverse, highlighting the need for sustainable practices.

For example, the Bornean orangutan population has declined by 60% in 60 years, mainly due to peat swamp habitat destruction.

With climate change intensification, the degradation through increases in temperature and altered rainfall patterns has further created a dangerous feedback loop. 

We recommend that urgent action be taken to protect the remaining peatlands and restore degraded areas. A 2023 report estimates that protecting peatlands worldwide prevents £7 billion in climate damage each year.

This means conservation and restoration of tropical peatlands alone could reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 800 Mt CO2e per year at an approximate cost of £30 - £32 billion. 

Here are key statistics and facts about peat according to some environmental studies and other reputable sources: Wetlands International, IUCN, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

Global Production and Market:

Environmental Impact:

Economic Significance:

Conservation and Restoration Efforts:

Peat Industry:

Global Coverage and Resources:

Major applications:

The market is fragmented, with key players including Lambert Peat Moss, Klasmann-Deilmann GmbH, and Neova Oy.

Globally, its use in horticulture is declining as more countries recognise the environmental impact of its extraction. Both government policies and consumer demand drive the move toward sustainable alternatives.

However, some countries still heavily rely on it. However, some European countries are leading in reduction.

Peat usage has significant economic implications, especially in industries like horticulture and energy. Despite environmental concerns, the industry remains resistant to change, citing job security and economic benefits.

The production in the UK has contributed to over £50 million annually, supporting thousands of jobs in rural areas. Transitioning away from it could lead to job losses, particularly in regions dependent on this industry.

However, environmental concerns are reshaping the industry's landscape. Each year of delay could release up to 880,000 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to 4,600 round trips to the moon.

The shift towards sustainable alternatives could create new employment opportunities. In horticulture, switching to organic or renewable substrates might drive innovation, resulting in new jobs in research, production, and distribution.

Rural areas can benefit from new roles for skilled workers, including digger drivers, ecologists, and land managers. This shift aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainable practices and could boost local economies through increased tourism.

Peat itself is not inherently toxic, but its extraction and use can have harmful effects on the environment and human health. When burned, it releases toxic compounds and particulate matter. 

Peat smoke from wildfires contains hazardous substances that can cause respiratory issues and other health problems.

Recent studies have shown that exposure to smoke can lead to increased hospital admissions for asthma and heart failure. Peat fires often produce more smoke and last longer than forest fires, posing a significant public health risk. The fine particles in the smoke can penetrate deep into the lungs and cross the blood-brain barrier.

Efforts to protect and restore peatlands aim to keep pollutants sequestered and maintain their crucial role as carbon sinks. However, balancing environmental concerns with economic interests remains challenging.

To mitigate the effects, we therefore recommend the establishment of early warning systems and air quality monitoring networks in peat-prone areas. 

In addition, rewetting drained peatlands is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving biodiversity. This process can decrease CO2 emissions by up to 70% and potentially transform peatlands into carbon sinks. 

Protective gear is essential for those handling it in horticulture. It helps prevent respiratory issues caused by peat dust. Additionally, improving air quality control in working environments can reduce exposure to this dust. These measures are important for maintaining worker health and safety.

Sustainable peat use means balancing its benefits while minimising ecological harm. Extraction rates must decrease to avoid further damage to ecosystems and carbon emissions. 

However, experts are still determining whether the use can ever be truly sustainable, given its slow regeneration rate of 1mm per year. Balancing economic needs with environmental concerns remains challenging for the industry.

Switching to alternatives like coir or wood fibre can reduce reliance on peat. Innovative options and financing are crucial for peatland conservation. 

Recycling peat remains a complex issue. Once harvested, peat's regeneration rate is too slow to classify it as recyclable.

Instead, recycling efforts should focus on reducing peat usage rather than recycling. This means restoration projects should aim to rewet drained bogs, allowing them to resume carbon sequestration.

More initiatives like what the UK government is currently doing include investing about £50 million in peatland restoration to curb further degradation and promote alternatives. This investment is part of the government's commitment to restore approximately 35,000 hectares of peatland in England by the end of the current Parliament.

To understand why peat is bad for the environment, it's helpful to compare its impact on everyday activities. Losing just 5% of peatland carbon would be equivalent to the UK's entire annual greenhouse gas emissions. This tops the significant role peatlands play in climate regulation.

The IPCC estimates that tropical peatland cultivation generates the equivalent of 440 million tons of CO2 per year, with peat fires contributing an additional 200 million tons on average. 

Peatland emissions are roughly double those of the entire aviation industry and over four times the UK's total emissions. This calls to attention the urgent need for peatland conservation and restoration.

In some regions, peatland degradation causes more emissions than deforestation. A study in Peru found that carbon emissions from peatland degradation were more than twice the amount from deforestation between 1990-2018. 

Compared to everyday carbon footprints, one tonne of peat emits as much CO2 as driving 3,800 miles in a petrol car. Reducing peat usage in horticulture is critical for cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

As we transition away from peat, the horticulture industry has been exploring a range of sustainable alternatives. These options not only help reduce the environmental impact but also offer effective growing media for plants.

The cost of peat alternatives compared to traditional peat can be summarised as follows:

To summarise the above:
Some of the alternatives are currently more expensive. However, this cost difference may decrease in the future. Two factors could contribute to this:

These changes could make alternatives more competitive with traditional peat.

Peat harvesting significantly harms the environment. Additionally, draining peatlands for agriculture or fuel production causes water pollution and erosion.

Peatland degradation also leads to biodiversity loss, as these areas are home to rare species. Given the environmental toll, sustainable alternatives to peat are essential to reducing its harmful impact.

GreenMatch sustainability expert Inemesit Ukpanah warns: 

Consumers can choose peat-free compost. Governments should ensure the ban on peat extraction and support peatland restoration to combat climate change and preserve these vital ecosystems.

By choosing eco-friendly alternatives and supporting conservation efforts, we can help protect the future of the environment. The shift away from peat use is not just an environmental necessity but also an opportunity to innovate and create a more sustainable future for horticulture and our planet.