Environmental Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) announced his intention to push the rewetting of peat bogs and implement the law on natural infrastructure as quickly as possible. While some might view the goal as romantic, Schneider told the “Rheinische Post” (Saturday edition) that it is vital for survival.
He explained that in areas like the Hohe Venn, the drained bogs had been burning even internally. Once peat dries out, it can lead to smoldering fires that are extremely difficult to put out and can last for months.
To support the rewetting program in the coming years, 1.7 billion euros have been earmarked. The Minister emphasized that this implementation would take place in cooperation with farmers. Furthermore, he intends to grant such projects a superior public interest status through the Natural Infrastructure Law, which will expedite their progress. Regarding the timeline for this new legislation, Schneider stated, “As soon as possible. Because this summer demonstrated that we must think big in order to equip our country against climate change.”
The overarching objective is to establish larger, continuous habitats, similar to the concept of the Green Belt. Schneider argued that merely planting a few trees alongside large development projects is insufficient. He continued, “We must view nature as our ally, for example, as a natural water reservoir. This is at least as important as technical infrastructure. I am convinced this shift in awareness will come.”
The severity of the situation is underscored by the fact that nearly 90 percent of the peat bogs in Germany have been drained. Moreover, 7.5 percent of German greenhouse gas emissions are attributed to the decomposition of bog soil resulting from drainage measures and peat extraction. Conversely, wet bogs are recognized as the most effective carbon sinks among all land ecosystems.
