How Coastal Wetlands can Mitigate Climate Change | CapeCod.com

Lower Herring River in Wellfleet Credit Cape Cod National Seashore

Emissions of methane, a greenhouse gas, are lower in wetlands that don't have dams or other infrastructure and have higher salinity, scientists report. Lower Herring River in Wellfleet, above, was one of the study sites. Credit: Cape Cod National Seashore

By Matthew Tomlinson | CapeCod.com September 15, 2022

Jim (Jianwu) Tang, senior scientist in the MBL Ecosystems Center, is senior author of this study, published in Global Change Biology.

WELLFLEET – A recent study led by the U.S. Geological Survey has provided valuable insights regarding the role of coastal wetlands in mitigating climate change.

The study examined the impact of infrastructure such as dams, dikes and roadways on coastal wetlands by examining impacted and unaffected areas in Herring River in Wellfleet and Sage Lot Pond in Mashpee and found that human development was connected to higher methane levels and lower salinity in coastal environments.

The findings indicate that methane emissions are significantly lower in wetlands with higher salinity and those unaffected by coastal hydrology management.

Scientists involved with the project suggested that restoring higher salinity levels in affected wetlands could reduce the amount of methane released, with positive effects on reducing greenhouse gasses and mitigating climate change. Read rest of article here.

Source: New Study Examines Role of Coastal Wetlands In Addressing Climate Change | CapeCod.com