Peatland use and peat soil land cover types in Ireland: Implications for the calculation of GHG emissions in the context of climate action

This comprehensive study provides a detailed assessment of peatland use and peat soil land cover types across Ireland, addressing a critical need for accurate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions accounting in the context of national and international climate commitments.

Key Contributions

• National-scale mapping and classification of peatland land cover types across Ireland
• Development of methodologies for accurate GHG emissions calculation from different peatland use categories
• Integration of remote sensing data and ground-truth validation for peatland classification
• Policy-relevant insights for Ireland’s climate action targets and reporting obligations
• Framework for improved peatland management to reduce emissions and support climate mitigation

Significance

This research directly supports Ireland’s climate action commitments by providing robust data on peatland GHG emissions. Peatlands are significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions when drained or degraded, but can serve as carbon sinks when properly managed. The study’s findings inform national emissions inventories, land use policy, and conservation strategies essential for meeting climate targets.

The work combines advanced geospatial analysis with policy application, demonstrating how scientific research can directly support evidence-based climate action and sustainable land management practices.

Recommended citation: Gilet, L., Habib, W., Aitova, E., Byrne, K.A., Farrell, C.A., Fenton, O., Flynn, R., O'Leary, D., Morley, T.R., Tuohy, P., Regan, S., Renou-Wilson, F., Wilson, D., & Connolly, J. (2025). "Peatland use and peat soil land cover types in Ireland: Implications for the calculation of GHG emissions in the context of climate action." Land Use Policy, 152, 107792.
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