Fen, Bog and Swamp: A Short History of Peatland Destruction and Its Role in the Climate Crisis

Annie Proulx documents the vital role of peatlands—specifically fens, bogs, and swamps—in sequestering carbon and maintaining ecological balance. She details the historical systematic destruction of these wetlands through agricultural drainage and industrial development, which has released massive amounts of methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The book examines specific environments like the English Fens and the Hudson Bay Lowlands, explaining the biological processes of moss decay and the archaeological significance of preserved organic materials found in anaerobic peat layers.

This study serves environmental scientists, historians, and readers concerned with the mechanics of global warming. It provides a technical yet accessible breakdown of how wetland loss accelerates rising temperatures. Readers finish the book with a precise understanding of the chemical differences between various peat types and a clear perspective on why peatland restoration is a practical necessity for stabilizing the global climate. The text transforms overlooked, soggy terrains into central characters of the planet's survival strategy.