Method for Measuring Carbon in Bogs

This technical report presents a new method developed by researchers from the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore for measuring carbon stored in bogs. Peatlands, known for being dense natural carbon-storing ecosystems, are critical for understanding carbon emissions and biodiversity preservation. The method utilizes satellite data to derive the three-dimensional shapes of raised peatlands, which helps in estimating their carbon storage and water flow patterns. The report outlines the challenges of measuring carbon stocks in bogs due to their variable shapes and inaccessibility. It emphasizes the importance of this method for governments and policymakers in assessing environmental impacts and planning restoration efforts. The findings, published in the journal Nature, highlight the potential for this approach to aid in global peatland restoration initiatives and contribute to climate change mitigation strategies by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preventing wildfires.