Prairie wetlands drainage is increasing Canada's carbon footprint

A study published in Facets finds that draining small wetlands across the Prairie Pothole Region is releasing large amounts of stored carbon and raising greenhouse gas emissions; the authors estimate over three million tonnes of CO2 are being released and draining adds about 8% more emissions per year, with an estimated $170 million in carbon pricing.

A new study published in the journal Facets reports that removing small wetlands on the Canadian Prairies is increasing national greenhouse gas emissions. The Prairie Pothole Region contains millions of shallow, seasonal wetlands that are often drained to create more cropland. Researchers, farmers and conservation groups contributed to the assessment to compare greenhouse gas effects of intact versus drained wetlands. The article also describes local impacts on farmers and notes a provincial fund that supports drainage project planning. Key facts: - The study assessed wetlands across the Prairie Pothole Region and found that draining small wetlands exposes long-accumulated organic carbon to oxygen, which leads to large releases of carbon dioxide. - Authors report more than three million tonnes of carbon dioxide are being released across the prairies, and that ongoing drainage is increasing emissions by about 8% per year, equivalent to roughly $170 million in carbon pricing. - Wetlands naturally emit methane when intact, but the study finds the carbon dioxide released after drainage overwhelms other greenhouse gas components in its contribution to emissions. - The article includes a local example of a farmer near Kelvington, Sask., who reports decades of drainage affecting about 50 acres, and notes the provincial Water Security Agency offers up to $25,000 through an Agricultural Water Management Fund to assist with drainage projects. Summary: The study's authors conclude that converting small prairie wetlands to cropland releases substantial stored carbon and increases greenhouse gas emissions across the region. Undetermined at this time.