Conserving and restoring peatlands and mangroves could reduce more than 50% of Southeast Asia’s land-use carbon emissions. This reduction has been revealed by a new study. Published in Nature Communications, the research highlights the crucial role of these ecosystems in tackling climate change. Though they cover just 5% of the region’s land, they store massive amounts of carbon. This makes them vital for emission reduction.
An international team of scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and James Cook University (Australia) conducted the study.
“These wetlands store over 90% of their carbon in the soil,” says Assoc. Prof. Massimo Lupascu, senior author of the study. “But when disturbed, they release enormous amounts of carbon into the atmosphere.”
THE RISK OF PEATLAND DESTRUCTION
Peatlands and mangroves are under constant threat from deforestation, agriculture, and urban expansion. When destroyed, they release stored carbon, worsening climate change.
El Niño events dry out peatlands, increasing the risk of wildfires. This leads to massive carbon emissions and haze pollution, affecting Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
RESTORATION COULD CUT EMISSIONS BY 770 MTCO₂E ANNUALLY
The study estimates that restoring peatlands and mangroves could reduce emissions by 770 megatonnes of CO₂ equivalent (MtCO₂e) every year. That’s almost double Malaysia’s 2023 greenhouse gas emissions.
“This is one of the most powerful, cost-effective climate solutions available,” says Assoc. Prof. Lupascu.
INTEGRATING PEATLANDS INTO CLIMATE POLICIES
Professor David Taylor, co-author and Head of the NUS Department of Geography, urges ASEAN governments to include peatlands and mangroves in their climate policies.
“Countries updating their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs 3.0) under the Paris Agreement should prioritize wetland conservation,” Taylor explains. “But this requires substantial investment.”
IRREPLACEABLE ECOSYSTEMS WITH GLOBAL IMPACT
Southeast Asia has some of the world’s largest tropical peatlands and mangroves. Their water-saturated soils prevent organic matter from decomposing, keeping carbon locked away for centuries.
However, once disturbed, this carbon is irrecoverable. Land-use changes, agriculture, and infrastructure projects permanently erase these carbon sinks.
TURNING PEATLANDS INTO AN ECONOMIC ASSET
Restoring peatlands and mangroves isn’t just an environmental necessity—it’s an economic opportunity.
“Peatland soils aren’t great for farming, but they’re unmatched in storing carbon,” says Asst. Prof. Pierre Taillardat, from NTU’s Wetland Carbon Lab.
“If carbon credits were properly valued, conservation could become a profitable industry,” he adds. Local communities could lead restoration efforts while creating sustainable economic opportunities.
MAPPING EMISSIONS AND TARGETING SOLUTIONS
The study provides detailed carbon emission estimates from 2001–2022, breaking down emissions by land-use type and country.
This data-driven approach helps policymakers identify hotspots for intervention and prioritize conservation strategies.
SOUTHEAST ASIA’S CHANCE TO LEAD IN CLIMATE ACTION
Dr. Sigit Sasmito, from Trop WATER, James Cook University, believes the region has a unique opportunity:
“Southeast Asia can become a global leader in nature-based climate solutions,” he says. “Peatlands and mangroves offer one of the most scalable, effective ways to cut carbon emissions.”
THE PATH FORWARD
By prioritizing peatland and mangrove conservation, Southeast Asia can:
- Drastically reduce carbon emissions
- Improve air quality by preventing peatland fires
- Strengthen climate resilience
- Support local economies through sustainable wetland management
With strong policies and investment, these natural carbon sinks could become the cornerstone of ASEAN’s climate strategy.