Debate, Mir | Around swamps used in rural plots, roads and industrial areas

When we turn swamps into rural fields, residential plots, cultivated land, forests, roads, commercial areas and peat soils in store, these ancient plant remains are broken down into, among other things, carbon dioxide emitted in large quantities. Once the water in the swamp is eliminated, the rotting process begins.

Previously, bogs covered about 10 percent of Norway's land area. Complete degradation of all peatlands in Norway would result in a massive emission of 3.6 billion tons of carbon dioxide, 90 times Norway's annual emissions.

The construction of residential, recreational, industrial and commercial buildings contributes about 60 percent to the destruction of swamps, while the rest comes from the construction of roads and other infrastructure. In Norway, a third of bogs have been destroyed, and about 5 million tons of carbon dioxide are released annually. year, that is approximately 12 percent of Norwegian CO2 emissions. The destruction of swamps also contributes to the nature crisis.

The planet is already experiencing climate change at a rate never seen before by humanity. The current increase in global temperatures of more than 1 degree has occurred within the past 175 years. Previous warm periods have developed over thousands of years.

Norway's share of global carbon dioxide emissions must decline sharply by 2030 in many areas of society. The most important thing is for the whole world to stop burning coal, oil and natural gas for engines and heating. There must also be an end to the destruction of swampy areas in Norway. Drained swamps that are no longer used for agricultural and forestry purposes must be restored.

Local politicians in Norway must pursue a responsible climate policy and say no to the use of swamps.

Parliament must adopt and impose strong restrictions. This must now be taken seriously in the municipalities of Valdres.