The Natural resources Wales, a government-sponsored body managing the natural resources in the United Kingdom country, has indicated in a report that the Wales peat bog restoration project is progressing faster than expected.

The restoration aims to slow down carbon released into the atmosphere. A lower level of carbon is a crucial factor in preventing wildfires. Against an annual restoration target of 650 hectares, the authorities have already achieved over 1000 hectares.

Significance of Peat lands
Peat lands, an area of soft/wet ground called bogs or moors, are a vital natural resource that provides a barrier to spreading fires.

Peatlands consist of almost 90 percent water, which acts as a natural barrier to sudden wildfires during summer heat waves. In addition, peat lands reduce the risk of floods downstream.

Importance of Peat land conservation
Peat lands are known to store carbon efficiently. Therefore, damaging the peat lands or moors can lead to the release of the stored carbon into the atmosphere, accelerating climate change. It is estimated that about 4 percent of Wales is covered by peat lands which hold almost 30 percent of Wales' soil carbon.

Thousands flee as wildfires wreck havoc in Colorado

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Thousands evacuated

Thousands of residents have been evacuated from two cities in the US state of Colorado following a wildfire. The 20,000-strong town of Louisville, along with the 13,000 residents of Superior, have been told to move out, with the National Weather Service describing the situation as "life-threatening."

Apocalyptic scenes

Those who fled the wildfire described apocalyptic scenes. One video showed winds whipping through barren trees in the parking lot surrounded by gray skies, a hazy sun and small fires scattered across the ground. "The sky was dark, dark brown, and the dirt was blowing in swirls across the sidewalk like snakes," another person was quoted as saying.

Deadly winds

Wind gusts of over 160 kilometers an hour have been reported in some places, fanning the flames and complicating firefighting efforts by preventing aircraft from taking to the skies. Shifting winds caused the skies to turn from clear to smoky and then back again.

State of emergency

The fires prompted Gov. Jared Polis to declare a state of emergency, allowing the state to access disaster emergency funds. At least 1,600 acres have burned in Boulder County, much of it suburban, with warnings that deaths and injuries were likely as the blaze took hold of hotels and shopping centers in the town of Superior.

Climate change to blame?

Like much of the American West, Colorado is in the grip of a years-long drought that has left the area parched and vulnerable to wildfire. Although fires are a natural part of the climate cycle, and help to clear dead brush and reduce disease in vegetation, the scale and intensity is increasing. Scientists say this is due to a warming climate, chiefly caused by human activities like the unchecked burning of fossil fuels.

Peat lands also benefit biodiversity since (peat land) is the natural habitat of mosses, insects, and birds.

Experts also believe that scientifically preserved peat lands help in healthy water reserves. About 70 percent of the UK's drinking water is sourced from peat land-dominated areas. Restoration will also help maintain regular water flow to rivers and streams, even during dry periods. The peat land ecosystem is critical to maintaining a healthy environment in Wales.

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Wales has secret weapon against wildfires and climate change. Read details

Peat lands restoration project aims to slow down carbon released into the atmosphere. A lower level of carbon is a crucial factor in preventing wildfires. Against an annual restoration target of 650 hectares, the authorities have already achieved over 1000 hectares.