Last Updated: Saturday, 3 September 2005, 12:21 GMT 13:21 UK
Asian peat fires add to warmingBy Paul Rincon
BBC News science reporter
The destruction of tropical peatlands is contributing significantly to
global warming, according to a study.
Peatlands in South-East Asia are being burnt in fires started with the
intention to clear forest, but in dry periods they can rage out of
control.
This can free vast amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, Dr
Susan Page of Leicester University, UK, said.
The peatlands, which contain up to 21% of global land-based stores of
carbon, could be destroyed by 2040, she added.
More:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4208564.stm