Striking Contrast: Captivating Photos Showcase the Battle Between Climate Action and Tradition in Ireland’s Peat Bogs

As wind turbines spin on the horizon, John Smyth is busy stacking damp peat. For over fifty years, he has harvested this cheap, smoky fuel, which many in rural Ireland rely on for warmth and cooking. The process of drying peat, known as “footing turf,” has a nostalgic value, evoking memories of home and tradition.

However, this practice comes with a cost. Peat harvesting has damaged wildlife habitats and turned places that should store carbon dioxide into significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions. As the European Union pushes Ireland to enforce environmental laws, peat has become a hot topic of debate, especially among those like Smyth. He feels these policies often overlook the realities of rural life.

“The decision-makers don’t understand what it’s like here,” Smyth says, describing himself as a "dinosaur" resisting changes he believes could harm rural Ireland.

Despite his commitment, he realizes that fewer young people are interested in this tradition. “They don’t want to go to the bog. I don’t blame them,” he admits.

Peat has a long history. It forms over thousands of years in wetland areas, where decaying plants build up in layers. In lowland areas, dome-shaped bogs accumulate from former glacial lakes, while blanket bogs appear in upland regions where heavy rain and poor drainage allow peat to thrive. Before alternatives like coal became widely available, peat was the primary source of fuel.

Unfortunately, industrial peat harvesting in the 20th century decimated many bogs, leading to over 70% loss of blanket bogs and more than 80% of raised bogs in Ireland, according to the Irish Peatland Conservation Council. In the 1990s, EU directives recognized these bogs as vital habitats, prompting calls for conservation.

In recent years, the Irish government faced increasing pressure to curb peat extraction. In 2022, a ban on burning peat was enacted, though individuals can still collect it for personal use—a move that highlights the ongoing tug-of-war between tradition and environmental responsibility. Reports indicate that in 2023, Ireland exported 350,000 tonnes of peat, mainly for gardening.

Ireland also faces consequences if it fails to meet its carbon reduction targets by 2030. A 2022 report from the United Nations pointed out that degraded peatlands in the country emit about 21.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually. Comparatively, the transport sector emitted 21.4 million tonnes in 2023.

While some progress is being made, with the Irish government claiming that turf cutting has stopped on 80% of raised bog conservation areas, challenges remain. Bord na Mona, the state-backed peat harvesting company, has been tasked with restoring the bogs. So far, it has rewet 20,000 hectares of its 80,000-hectare goal.

As the conversation around peat continues, it highlights a larger issue: balancing cultural practices with the urgent need to address climate change. The ongoing dialogue will shape the future of both rural communities and the environment in Ireland.

For further reading, you can explore the Irish Peatland Conservation Council and learn about conservation efforts and initiatives at European Environment Agency.

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Features, Gallery, Environment, In Pictures, Europe, Ireland