Wetlands-Wetlands Exploration Tool

Example

Removing pollutants from water

Scenario

Wetlands act as natural filters, removing pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus from water through the action of plants and microorganisms. This function is crucial for maintaining clean water supplies for humans and aquatic ecosystems.

Example

Absorbing excess rainfall

Scenario

During heavy rains, wetlands absorb and store excess water, reducing flood risks in nearby communities. This was evident in the role of wetland areas along the Mississippi River, which can store excess floodwater, thereby mitigating potential flood damage to properties and ecosystems downstream.

Example

Storing carbon to combat climate change

Scenario

Wetlands store carbon in their plant matter and soil instead of releasing it to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Peatlands, a type of wetland, are particularly effective at storing carbon over millennia, playing a significant role in mitigating climate change.

Example

Providing habitat for diverse species

Scenario

Wetlands offer a habitat for a wide range of species, from migratory birds to fish and mammals. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially notes the importance of wetlands as habitats for waterfowl, demonstrating their critical role in supporting global biodiversity.