Abstract

Peatlands, which cover only 3% of the Earth’s land area, are critical carbon sinks, storing nearly one-third of global soil carbon – more than the total carbon stock of all forests combined. However, many high latitude peatlands are currently experiencing regime shifts characterised by changes in hydrology, nutrients, and plant communities. These shifts have profound implications for peatland vegetation, carbon dynamics, and climate regulation.

Palaeoecological data, including plant submacrofossils and testate amoebae, provide valuable insights into the historical dynamics of peatlands. Our recent research in Arctic and Subarctic regions has documented the formation of new organic soils and notable shifts in peatland vegetation, particularly an increase in Sphagnum mosses (peat moss). Sphagnum mosses are highly resistant to decay and play a key role in carbon sequestration. This prompts us to explore the broader implications of these changes for future peatland carbon storage potential.