Assessment shows 20% global loss since 1700 – far less than thought – but Europe, US and China bear the brunt
Half the wetlands in Europe, continental
Until now, it wasn’t known how many wetlands were left – previous estimates suggested between 28% and 87% had been destroyed since 1700. For the first time, researchers combined global historical records with maps of today’s wetlands to create a more, and found an estimated 20% of all wetlands destroyed. Europe, however, was the worst affected area, with Ireland losing more than 90% of its wetlands, Germany, Lithuania and Hungary more than 80% and the UK, the Netherlands and Italy more than 75%.
Globally, more than 60% of losses were driven by drainage for growing crops on uplands, followed by conversion to make paddy fields and the creation of urban areas , according to the paper. Less than 1% was lost for peat extraction. Globally,Wetlands are important for biodiversity:of the planet’s species live and breed in them. They also purify water, protect against flooding and improve the physical wellbeing of people in urban areas.
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