Climate change and wetland eco-services
Citation
Smith, E., McDonald, B., Pelster, D., Glenn, A., Wilson, H., Rodd, V., Kellman, L., Javorek, S. and Dubois, M. Nov. 7-10, 2021. Climate change and wetland eco-services. ASA, CSSA & SSSA International Annual Meeting: A Sustainable economy for sustainable development. Salt Lake City, Utah. Virtual Meeting.
Plain language summary
Agriculture is reliant upon ecosystem goods and services in order to drive production. Regulating services that balance carbon (C) and nitrogen, water flow and quantity, as well as air and water quality are important in a time of climate change. Wetlands can provide such services; absorbing water when it is abundant, releasing it when is scarce, and serving as a clean technology by removing contaminants and providing potential sinks for greenhouse gases. However, with climate extremes come hydrological challenges, which may affect a wetland’s ability to perform such services, particularly C capture and storage. There is uncertainty about how changes in wetland hydrology will impact the ability of these systems to hold and store C, and influence the biodiversity of these environments.
Abstract
Agriculture is reliant upon ecosystem goods and services, such as nutrient cycling and nutrient interception, pollination, etc. in order to drive production. Regulating services that balance carbon (C) and nitrogen, water flow and quantity, as well as air and water quality are important in a time of climate change. Wetlands can provide such services; absorbing water when it is abundant, releasing it when is scarce, and serving as a clean technology by removing contaminants and providing potential sinks for greenhouse gases. However, with climate extremes come hydrological challenges, which may affect a wetland’s ability to perform such services, particularly C capture and storage.
In addition to the services wetlands provide; water conservation, wastewater treatment, nutrient and greenhouse gas cycling, and enhancing overall biodiversity; wetlands also have the potential to be vital C sinks, mitigating rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. Yet, their existence is being threatened by climate change due to changes in precipitation patterns, drought, and changes in land management practices. There is uncertainty about how changes in wetland hydrology will impact the ability of these systems to hold and store C, and influence the biodiversity of these environments.