Wetlands in a changing climate: Science, policy and management

Wetlands
By: , and 

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Abstract

Part 1 of this review synthesizes recent research on status and climate vulnerability of freshwater and saltwater wetlands, and their contribution to addressing climate change (carbon cycle, adaptation, resilience). Peatlands and vegetated coastal wetlands are among the most carbon rich sinks on the planet sequestering approximately as much carbon as do global forest ecosystems. Estimates of the consequences of rising temperature on current wetland carbon storage and future carbon sequestration potential are summarized. We also demonstrate the need to prevent drying of wetlands and thawing of permafrost by disturbances and rising temperatures to protect wetland carbon stores and climate adaptation/resiliency ecosystem services. Preventing further wetland loss is found to be important in limiting future emissions to meet climate goals, but is seldom considered. In Part 2, the paper explores the policy and management realm from international to national, subnational and local levels to identify strategies and policies reflecting an integrated understanding of both wetland and climate change science. Specific recommendations are made to capture synergies between wetlands and carbon cycle management, adaptation and resiliency to further enable researchers, policy makers and practitioners to protect wetland carbon and climate adaptation/resiliency ecosystem services.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Wetlands in a changing climate: Science, policy and management
Series title Wetlands
DOI 10.1007/s13157-018-1023-8
Volume 38
Issue 2
Year Published 2018
Language English
Publisher Springer
Contributing office(s) Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Description 23 p.
First page 183
Last page 205
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