Huge carbon emissions from wetland fires

More than 600,000 tonnes of carbon were lost to the atmosphere in recent fires at two of New Zealand’s most important wetlands, highlighting the importance of keeping wetlands wet.

DOC, working with scientists at Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research (MWLR), has published a report on carbon emissions from the 2022 fires in the Kaimaumau-Motutangi wetland in Northland and the Awarua wetland in Southland.

Wetlands aren’t currently included in New Zealand’s emissions trading scheme, or carbon accounting, but the research highlights the significant potential of wetlands to contribute to our response to climate change. This potential is also noted in New Zealand’s Emissions Reduction Plan.