Connect with us

Technology

Peatlands and mangroves key to reducing carbon emissions in Southeast Asia, finds international study

Published

1 year ago

on

SINGAPORE, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Conserving and restoring Southeast Asia’s carbon-rich peatlands and mangroves could mitigate more than 50 per cent of the region’s land-use carbon emissions, according to a new international study published in Nature Communications.

Despite occupying just 5 per cent of the region’s terrestrial land, these ecosystems play an outsized role in emission reduction efforts, making them crucial for meeting climate targets across ASEAN countries.

The research study, conducted by an international team of scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS), with contributions from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and James Cook University in Australia, highlights the significant climate benefits of conserving and restoring peatlands and mangroves.

Together, these ecosystems store more than 90 per cent of their carbon in soils rather than vegetation, making them among the most efficient natural carbon sinks globally.

However, when disrupted or destroyed through activities such as land-use changes, these ecosystems release significant amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, posing a major challenge to achieving emission reduction targets.

Additionally, peatland degradation during dry periods, such as those associated with El Niño events, not only results in massive carbon emissions but also contributes to regional haze events, affecting air quality in countries including Singapore.

Associate Professor Massimo Lupascu, Principal Investigator and the paper’s senior author, explained, “If we conserved and restored the carbon-dense peatlands and mangroves in Southeast Asia, we could mitigate approximately 770 megatonnes of CO2 equivalent (MtCO2e) annually, or nearly double Malaysia’s national greenhouse gas emissions in 2023.”

“Our research underscores the immense climate benefits of protecting these ecosystems, making them a pragmatic and effective natural climate solution for ASEAN countries,” said Assoc Prof Lupascu, who is from the Department of Geography at the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

Professor David Taylor, a co-author of the paper and Head of the NUS Department of Geography, said that “including both peatlands and mangroves in the new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs 3.0) that countries signed up to the Paris Agreement must update and re-commit to every five years can certainly contribute to increasing the ambition of countries across the region through the setting of higher emissions reduction targets, although this would involve substantial investment in effective conservation and restoration.“

Unique ecosystems with global implications

Southeast Asia is home to some of the world’s largest areas of tropical peatlands and mangroves. These ecosystems share water-saturated, oxygen-limited soils that slow the decomposition of organic matter, enabling them to act as natural carbon sinks when undisturbed.

However, these soil-stored carbon is “irrecoverable”, meaning it cannot easily be replaced once lost to human activities, such as agriculture or urban development.

Assistant Professor Pierre Taillardat, a co-author of the paper and principal investigator at the Wetland Carbon Lab at the Asian School of the Environment, NTU Singapore, emphasised the transformative potential of wetland conservation and how it can also yield economic benefits through schemes like carbon credits.

“Wetland soils may have little agronomic value, as it is generally not well-suited for traditional farming or crop cultivation, but they are unmatched in their ability to store and preserve carbon,” added Asst Prof Taillardat.

“If carbon were valued like other critical commodities, such as being traded on the carbon credits market, it could unlock vast opportunities for conservation and restoration projects. This will enable local communities to lead carbon management efforts with a win-win scenario where livelihoods and sustainable ecosystems thrive together.”

Updated Emissions Estimates and Pathways for Change

The study also provides up-to-date estimates of emissions from disturbed peatlands and mangroves across Southeast Asia from 2001 to 2022, broken down by land-use type and country.

By doing so, it offers policymakers critical data to identify hotspots for intervention and prioritise conservation efforts.

In their paper, the researchers call for ASEAN governments to integrate peatland and mangrove conservation into national climate strategies.

Given their high carbon storage capacity and the ability to mitigate land-use emissions, peatlands and mangroves represent a cost-effective and impactful approach to achieving net-zero targets.

By conserving and restoring these ecosystems, Southeast Asian nations can reduce emissions, bolster climate resilience, and support local communities that depend on wetlands for their livelihoods.

Dr Sigit Sasmito, from TropWATER, James Cook University in Brisbane, Australia, who is the study’s first author and led the work when he was a Research Fellow in the NUS Department of Geography, remarked, “By investing in the conservation of peatlands and mangroves, Southeast Asia can lead the world in deploying cost-effective, nature-based solutions that deliver enduring climate and biodiversity benefits. These ecosystems pack a climate mitigation punch far beyond their size, offering one of the most scalable and impactful natural solutions to combat the planet’s climate crisis.”

The open-access paper, titled “Half of land use carbon emissions in Southeast Asia can be mitigated through peat swamp forest and mangrove conservation and restoration”, is available online at Nature Communications.

Read more at: https://news.nus.edu.sg/peatlands-and-mangroves-key-to-reducing-carbon-emissions-in-southeast-asia-finds-international-study/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/peatlands-and-mangroves-key-to-reducing-carbon-emissions-in-southeast-asia-finds-international-study-302372217.html

SOURCE National University of Singapore

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Marine Biological Laboratory Appoints Nicole A. Theodosiou as Burroughs Wellcome Director of Education

Published

59 minutes ago

on

July 23, 2026

By

WOODS HOLE, Mass., July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) has appointed Nicole A. Theodosiou, Ph.D., as its next Burroughs Wellcome Director of Education at the Marine Biological Laboratory. She will join the MBL on September 8.

Theodosiou brings more than two decades of experience in science education, academic leadership, and program development. She joins the MBL from Union College in Schenectady, New York, where she held a number of leadership roles focused on curriculum innovation, faculty development, and undergraduate STEM education. Most recently, she served as Special Projects Director for Initiatives in Pedagogy & Course Design. Previously, she directed the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Inclusive Excellence Initiative, led the Biochemistry Program, and served as a faculty member in the Department of Biology.

Throughout her career, Theodosiou has developed interdisciplinary educational programs, led faculty development initiatives, and advanced innovative approaches to teaching and learning. She is a member of the Society for Developmental Biology Academy and served on the Society’s Board of Directors as chair of its Professional Development and Education Committee, where she helped create professional development programs and educational resources for scientists nationwide.

At the MBL, Theodosiou will lead the institution’s educational programs, including its internationally renowned Advanced Research Training Courses (ARTCs), undergraduate and high school programs, and other educational initiatives that support the Laboratory’s mission of advancing biological discovery through research and education.

“Education has been central to the MBL’s mission since our founding in 1888,” said Nipam H. Patel, Director of the MBL. “Nicole brings a remarkable combination of scientific expertise, educational leadership, and strategic vision. Her commitment to experiential learning and developing innovative educational programs makes her an outstanding addition to our leadership team as we work to magnify the MBL’s educational impact for the next generation of scientists. “

Theodosiou has maintained a longstanding connection to the MBL throughout her career. She participated in the Laboratory’s Gene Regulatory Networks course in 2015, collaborated with the Marine Resource Center in support of her research, and has mentored students who have participated in MBL educational programs. She has described the MBL’s educational ecosystem as “unparalleled” and its tradition of learning by doing as closely aligned with her own philosophy of science education.

“The MBL has always been a place where scientific discovery and education go hand in hand,” said Theodosiou. “Its tradition of learning by doing and global community has inspired generations of researchers, including myself. I’m honored to join the MBL community and look forward to strengthening and building on its extraordinary legacy to inspire and train the next generation of scientists. “

Theodosiou earned a Ph.D. in Genetics from Yale University and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Swarthmore College. Her research as a developmental biologist has focused on vertebrate evolution and development, while her educational leadership has emphasized creating accessible, research-driven learning environments that integrate science, education, and communication.

About the Marine Biological Laboratory

The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) is dedicated to scientific discovery—exploring fundamental biology, understanding biodiversity and the environment, and informing the human condition through research and education. Founded in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, in 1888, the MBL is a private, nonprofit institution.

Media Contact:
Samantha Cummis
Scummis@mbl.edu
973-800-4118

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/marine-biological-laboratory-appoints-nicole-a-theodosiou-as-burroughs-wellcome-director-of-education-302833514.html

SOURCE Marine Biological Laboratory

Continue Reading

Technology

Marine Biological Laboratory Appoints Nicole A. Theodosiou as Burroughs Wellcome Director of Education

Published

59 minutes ago

on

July 23, 2026

By

WOODS HOLE, Mass., July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) has appointed Nicole A. Theodosiou, Ph.D., as its next Burroughs Wellcome Director of Education at the Marine Biological Laboratory. She will join the MBL on September 8.

Theodosiou brings more than two decades of experience in science education, academic leadership, and program development. She joins the MBL from Union College in Schenectady, New York, where she held a number of leadership roles focused on curriculum innovation, faculty development, and undergraduate STEM education. Most recently, she served as Special Projects Director for Initiatives in Pedagogy & Course Design. Previously, she directed the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Inclusive Excellence Initiative, led the Biochemistry Program, and served as a faculty member in the Department of Biology.

Throughout her career, Theodosiou has developed interdisciplinary educational programs, led faculty development initiatives, and advanced innovative approaches to teaching and learning. She is a member of the Society for Developmental Biology Academy and served on the Society’s Board of Directors as chair of its Professional Development and Education Committee, where she helped create professional development programs and educational resources for scientists nationwide.

At the MBL, Theodosiou will lead the institution’s educational programs, including its internationally renowned Advanced Research Training Courses (ARTCs), undergraduate and high school programs, and other educational initiatives that support the Laboratory’s mission of advancing biological discovery through research and education.

“Education has been central to the MBL’s mission since our founding in 1888,” said Nipam H. Patel, Director of the MBL. “Nicole brings a remarkable combination of scientific expertise, educational leadership, and strategic vision. Her commitment to experiential learning and developing innovative educational programs makes her an outstanding addition to our leadership team as we work to magnify the MBL’s educational impact for the next generation of scientists. “

Theodosiou has maintained a longstanding connection to the MBL throughout her career. She participated in the Laboratory’s Gene Regulatory Networks course in 2015, collaborated with the Marine Resource Center in support of her research, and has mentored students who have participated in MBL educational programs. She has described the MBL’s educational ecosystem as “unparalleled” and its tradition of learning by doing as closely aligned with her own philosophy of science education.

“The MBL has always been a place where scientific discovery and education go hand in hand,” said Theodosiou. “Its tradition of learning by doing and global community has inspired generations of researchers, including myself. I’m honored to join the MBL community and look forward to strengthening and building on its extraordinary legacy to inspire and train the next generation of scientists. “

Theodosiou earned a Ph.D. in Genetics from Yale University and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Swarthmore College. Her research as a developmental biologist has focused on vertebrate evolution and development, while her educational leadership has emphasized creating accessible, research-driven learning environments that integrate science, education, and communication.

About the Marine Biological Laboratory

The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) is dedicated to scientific discovery—exploring fundamental biology, understanding biodiversity and the environment, and informing the human condition through research and education. Founded in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, in 1888, the MBL is a private, nonprofit institution.

Media Contact:
Samantha Cummis
Scummis@mbl.edu
973-800-4118

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/marine-biological-laboratory-appoints-nicole-a-theodosiou-as-burroughs-wellcome-director-of-education-302833514.html

SOURCE Marine Biological Laboratory

Continue Reading

Technology

Canada’s investment industry and business community welcome Ontario’s commitment to join regulatory passport system

Published

59 minutes ago

on

July 23, 2026

By

Industry, business, and professional associations voice strong support for greater regulatory harmonization and a more competitive Canadian economy

TORONTO, July 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Canada’s investment industry and business community welcome Ontario’s commitment to join the country’s securities regulatory passport system, marking a significant step toward greater regulatory harmonization and a more efficient and competitive Canadian capital market.

A coalition of associations representing firms and professionals from across Canada’s capital markets sector, together with a broad cross-section of the business community, strongly supports the announcement by Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy at the recent meeting of Canada’s finance ministers, convened by Federal Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, and supported by their provincial and territorial counterparts.

Ontario’s participation in the passport system will make it easier for firms to operate and raise capital across Canada, while reducing unnecessary regulatory duplication and costs. More broadly, it advances the national effort to remove internal trade barriers, boost productivity and strengthen Canada’s economic competitiveness.

The passport system has already demonstrated that greater regulatory coordination can be achieved while respecting provincial jurisdiction. Participating regulators retain their authority and distinct roles, while firms benefit from a system in which decisions made by a principal regulator are generally recognized across participating jurisdictions.

Ontario’s participation creates an opportunity not only to reduce duplication but also to strengthen the system as a whole. A more integrated model can better leverage the expertise and capabilities of regulators across the country, creating opportunities for greater regulatory specialization and leadership in areas where individual jurisdictions have particular strengths.

For firms, greater harmonization means more predictable regulation, less duplication, and a more efficient regulatory environment. For investors, it supports a framework that maintains strong investor protection while responding more effectively to an increasingly complex and competitive global marketplace. For Canada, it helps create a more attractive environment in which to invest, launch new products and raise capital.

This coalition stands ready to work with governments and securities regulators across Canada to support Ontario’s timely and successful implementation of the passport system and build on the progress already made. We encourage all parties to move quickly to bring Ontario into the existing framework, while preserving the features that have made the passport system work so effectively.

Ontario’s commitment is a milestone and an important step toward a more integrated, efficient and competitive capital market that will strengthen the Canadian economy and better serve Canadian investors and businesses.

About the coalition

The Canadian Bankers Association (CBA) is the voice of more than 60 domestic and foreign banks that help drive Canada’s economic growth and prosperity. The CBA advocates for public policies that contribute to a sound, thriving banking system to ensure Canadians can succeed in their financial goals. 

The Canadian ETF Association (CETFA) is the national voice of Canada’s ETF industry, representing approximately 96 per cent of exchange traded fund (ETF) assets in Canada. CETFA promotes the growth, sustainability and integrity of Canada’s ETF industry. It keeps investment professionals informed about ETF developments, educates investors about ETFs and their benefits, and debunks ETF myths.

CFA Societies Canada is a collaboration of the 12 Canadian CFA Institute member societies, representing over 21,000 CFA charter holders in Canada. Its mission is to lead the investment profession in Canada by advancing the highest professional standards, integrity, and ethics for the ultimate benefit of Canadian society.

Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) is one of the most influential accounting organizations in the world. As a non-regulatory body comprised of individual CPA members, CPA Canada supports the profession and represents Canadian CPAs at the national and international levels. Nationally, CPA Canada acts in the public interest to promote transparency in financial markets, prepares CPAs for a rapidly evolving business environment through extensive guidance and programming and contributes to standard setting and policy making. Globally, CPA Canada works together with international bodies to build a stronger accounting profession worldwide. Its dedicated efforts help shape public policy, influence regulatory frameworks and establish high professional standards that reflect the evolving needs of the accounting industry.

The Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) is the global representative of the alternative investment industry, with around 2,100 corporate members in over 60 countries. AIMA’s fund manager members collectively manage more than US$4 trillion in hedge fund and private credit assets. AIMA draws upon the expertise and diversity of its membership to provide leadership in industry initiatives such as advocacy, policy and regulatory engagement, educational programs and sound practice guides. AIMA works to raise media and public awareness of the value of the industry. AIMA set up the Alternative Credit Council (ACC) to help firms focused in the private credit and direct lending space. The ACC currently represents over 250 members that manage US$2 trillion of private credit assets globally. AIMA is committed to developing skills and education standards and is a co-founder of the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst designation (CAIA) – the first and only specialized educational standard for alternative investment specialists. AIMA is governed by its Council (Board of Directors). AIMA was founded in 1990, with the AIMA Canada subsidiary formed in 2003.

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is the indispensable partner of business and Canada’s largest, most influential provincial chamber. It is an independent, non-profit advocacy and member services organization representing a diverse network of 60,000 members. The OCC convenes, mobilizes and empowers business and local chambers in pursuit of its purpose: to bring inclusive and sustainable prosperity to Ontario’s businesses, workers, and communities.

The Pension Investment Association of Canada (PIAC) has been the foremost voice for Canadian pension funds in matters related to pension investment and governance since 1977. PIAC is composed of over 130 of the largest pension plans in the country who manage over $3.5 trillion of assets on behalf of millions of Canadians. Its mission is to promote sound investment practices and good governance for the benefit of plan sponsors and beneficiaries.

The Portfolio Management Association of Canada (PMAC) represents over 300 asset management firms that manage more than $4 trillion in assets. Members are all fiduciaries managing investments in the best interests of their clients, which include private individuals, foundations, universities and pension plans. PMAC employs a collaborative information-sharing business model and advocates on behalf of its members on securities regulation and government policy matters. The association’s mission is to advocate the highest standards of unbiased portfolio management in the interest of investors served by members.

The Securities and Investment Management Association (SIMA) empowers Canada’s investment industry. The association, formerly The Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC), is the leading voice for the securities and investment management industry, which oversees approximately $4.5 trillion in assets for over 20 million investors and the Canadian capital markets. Our members–including investment fund managers, investment and mutual fund dealers, capital markets participants, and professional service providers–are committed to creating a resilient, innovative investment sector that fuels long-term economic growth and creates opportunities for all Canadians.

SOURCE Securities and Investment Management Association

Continue Reading

Trending