The Carbon Cost of Converting Peatlands to Oil Palm
Research from Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, reveals that converting peat swamp forests to oil palm plantations emits 640 tons of CO₂ per hectare, contributing to major annual emissions. Peatlands store vast carbon reserves and support threatened species, making protection and avoided conversion critical for climate goals.
Subject Tags
- Natural climate solutions
- Carbon storage
- Habitat restoration
- Biodiversity
Overview
The article examines the carbon emissions released when Indonesia’s peat swamp forests are converted to oil palm plantations, drawing on new field research from Central Kalimantan. The study finds that clearing intact peat swamp forest for oil palm results in 640 metric tons of CO₂ emissions per hectare , a major climate impact given Indonesia’s rapid peatland loss—1.5 million hectares in the past decade .
Peatlands are highlighted as one of the world’s most powerful natural carbon sinks, storing one‑third of global soil carbon despite covering only 3% of land area . Once drained, they release carbon from both vegetation and soil, especially when burned for land clearing . These ecosystems also support threatened species such as orangutans and Sumatran tigers.
The article notes Indonesia’s peatland protection policies—including a moratorium on peat conversion since 2011 and investments in rewetting and restoration—but emphasizes that avoiding conversion entirely is far more effective than rewetting after the fact . The research supports national climate goals by identifying avoided peatland deforestation and rewetting as top mitigation strategies.