Peatlands are important in terms of adapting to the effects of climate change: their influence on water regulation by slowing water loss from the hills can help reduce flood peaks associated with higher rainfall impacts of climate change (Gao & Holden, 20161). Their water storage capacity also helps maintain base flows in drought periods. Restoring and maintaining peatlands in good condition and supporting species diversity enables peatland wildlife to better adapt to a changing climate providing more options for changes in species abundance and distribution
than in damaged peatlands.
1 Gao, J., Holden, J., & Kirkby, M. (2016). The impact of land-cover change on flood peaks in peatland basins.
Water Resources Research, 52(5), 3477-3492.
