A recent study reveals that artisan gold mining in the southern Peruvian Amazon has caused more peatland destruction in the past two years than in the previous thirty years combined, releasing significant amounts of carbon. The findings underscore the urgent need for environmental protection as mining threatens these crucial ecosystems and their role in mitigating climate change.
Recent research published in the academic journal Environmental Research Letters indicates a concerning increase in peatland destruction due to artisan gold mining in the southern Peruvian Amazon. Over the past two years, these activities have caused more damage than the cumulative destruction observed in the previous three decades, threatening both the environment and climate significantly.
For many years, small-scale gold mining has thrived along the rivers of the Madre de Dios region, driven by gold deposits found in the surrounding soils. The deforestation resulting from mining has contributed to considerable carbon emissions. However, studies reveal that the environmental impact extends deeper into carbon-rich peatlands, vital ecosystems that store large quantities of carbon.
Utilizing over 35 years of satellite data from NASA’s Landsat program, researchers have shown that more than 550 hectares of peatland have been lost, releasing between 0.2 and 0.7 million tons of carbon into the atmosphere. Alarmingly, over 55% of this destruction has transpired in the last two years, surpassing all previous damage combined.
Peatlands are crucial for carbon storage, holding significantly more carbon than forests would in an area seven times larger. Hence, even minor losses in peatland can considerably affect greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, mining in peatlands constitutes approximately 9% of all mining activities in the region, and trends suggest this could increase to 25% by 2027 if current practices persist.
From the investigation, it has been noted that 63 out of 219 peatland areas have been adversely affected, threatening over 10,000 hectares and potentially resulting in the emission of 14.5 million tons of carbon, equivalent to the annual emissions of millions of vehicles. This research underscores an urgent need for conservation efforts to preserve these critical environments.
Dr. John Householder, the study’s corresponding author, highlighted the ease of access to remote mining areas and the lack of adequate law enforcement as factors contributing to the rapid destruction. He cautioned, “If we do not slow down the destruction, the damage to the Amazon’s peatlands could be permanent, with serious environmental, social, and economic impacts down the line.”
Furthermore, the academic community has only recently identified these peatlands, acknowledging their ecological importance. Dr. Householder urges the need for immediate protective measures, affirming the potential for significant peat loss before scientific research can adequately document these deposits. The findings serve as a crucial alert to implement conservation strategies for known peat deposits and extend research to undiscovered areas.
The research highlights an alarming surge in peatland destruction due to artisan gold mining in the Peruvian Amazon, with more damage occurring in the last two years than in the prior three decades. This environmental degradation poses significant threats to the global climate, highlighting an urgent need for protective measures and proper research to mitigate further loss. Without immediate action, the damage to these critical carbon-storing ecosystems may become irreparable. Stakeholders must prioritize conservation efforts to sustain peatlands and reduce greenhouse gas emissions effectively.
Original Source: www.eurekalert.org
