Wetlands as Natural
Climate Solutions
We will harness the power of wetlands to combat climate change by pioneering cutting-edge tools and research that drive global greenhouse gas reductions through innovative conservation and restoration efforts.
Mission
To support the accurate inclusion of wetlands in national greenhouse gas inventories by reducing uncertainties related to their role as nature-based climate solutions and ensuring that all inventories are based on sound scientific data.
Vision
To lead in advancing the understanding of greenhouse gas estimates and their uncertainties for wetlands, and to develop practical tools, such as a greenhouse gas calculator, to predict greenhouse gas reductions through wetland conservation and restoration as effective nature-based climate solutions.
Funding
Visitors
Partner Institutions
Principal Investigators & Advisors
Years
2022-2028
Collaborators
Objectives
We will advance the understanding of inland wetlands as powerful tools for carbon storage and greenhouse gas reduction in Canada’s agricultural landscapes. By developing robust data, tools, and insights, we aim to guide evidence-based policies and practices that enhance the benefits of wetland protection and restoration for the environment and society.
01
Develop authoritative estimates of landscape-scale density of wetland coverage for agricultural landscapes.
We will produce authoritative, landscape-scale estimates of wetland coverage in Canada’s agricultural areas. These data will create a foundational understanding of wetland distribution, helping to quantify their potential for carbon storage and greenhouse gas reduction.
02
Develop authoritative estimates for rates of organic carbon accumulation, greenhouse gas fluxes to the atmosphere.
Through rigorous scientific research, we will estimate the rates of organic carbon accumulation and greenhouse gas emissions in protected and restored wetlands. These insights are essential to understanding wetlands’ contributions to climate mitigation.
03
Develop robust estimates of process controls on organic carbon accumulation and greenhouse gas fluxes.
We will identify the key processes and controls that drive organic carbon accumulation and greenhouse gas fluxes in wetlands. This will provide a deeper understanding of how to optimize wetlands for climate benefits.
04
Develop robust estimates of wetlands as nature-based solutions for carbon storage vs. other benefits.
We will evaluate the role of wetlands as nature-based solutions for carbon storage, comparing these benefits to other ecosystem services like biodiversity, water filtration, and flood control. This ensures a comprehensive approach to wetland restoration and conservation.
05
Policy and practice tools to incentivize the use of wetlands as nature-based solutions for multiple benefits in agricultural landscapes.
We will develop tools and strategies to support policies and practices that incentivize wetland protection and restoration. These will highlight the multiple benefits wetlands provide to agricultural landscapes, from carbon storage to ecosystem health.
Partner Institutions
Collaborate with our Wetland Experts
Connect with our Principal Investigators for impactful research collaborations and event speaking opportunities.
