Global temperatures are rising, oceans are warming, and even more extreme weather is predicted in the coming years. In just 35 years, the frequency of disasters across the globe has more than doubled, and 90% of which are water-related disasters. Yet, the rate of the loss of the world’s wetlands—one of our natural climate solutions—remains a quiet crisis. Disappearing three times faster than the forests, wetlands play a significant role in blunting the impacts of climate change.
On February 2, the country will celebrate World Wetlands Day (WWD) with the rest of the world to acknowledge the adoption of the 1971 Convention on Wetlands. It is a day to raise our voices on the importance of wetlands, its biodiversity and ecosystem services that help us fight climate change. It was also declared a National Wetlands Day under Proclamation No. 74 issued in 1999.
“Wetlands and Climate Change” is the theme chosen for this year, centering on the important role wetlands play in climate adaptation, mitigation and resilience. They are the most effective carbon sinks on Earth, but when burned or drained for agriculture, they turn into a carbon source.