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A new study by WWF-Canada led by researchers from the Remote Sensing Laboratory of McMaster University reveals for the first time how much carbon is stored in the Canadian landscape and the location of the areas with the highest carbon content.

It found that a total of 405 Pg (405 billion tons) of carbon is stored in ecosystems across Canada. Based on the emission levels in 2019, this is equivalent to about 30 years of man-made global greenhouse gas emissions. These findings have been mapped out to show the carbon density of trees and other plants in different geographic locations up to two meters underground.

This is the first time in history that such a comprehensive analysis has been carried out, and it is of great significance for conservation actions—especially as a tool to guide nature-based climate solutions. The research will be presented today at COP26 WWF International Pavilion in Glasgow, Scotland, at 11:00 am Eastern Time, November 10th. Watch the live broadcast here.

The results of the study show that 95% of Canada's carbon (384 Pg) is found in one metre of soil, and 24% of it is found in peatlands. This shows that one-quarter of the world's soil carbon storage is located in Canada-a disproportionate amount, which brings global responsibility. The remaining carbon in Canada is in plant biomass (trees, other plants, dead plant material, and roots).

Areas with particularly high carbon density include ancient forests along the coast of British Columbia, large tracts of boreal forest, and peatlands of global significance in the Hudson and James Bay lowlands.

High-carbon landscapes play an important role in regulating the earth’s climate by removing carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in natural ecosystems. If these ecosystems are disturbed, the stored carbon will be released back to the atmosphere, accelerating climate change.

"The results of this research are milestones for conservation in Canada and around the world. Understanding where carbon is stored in Canada allows us to strategically protect and manage the right places to prevent billions of tons of carbon from being released into the atmosphere. Protecting these areas will also benefit wildlife by protecting the habitats of important species at risk," said Megan Leslie, President and CEO of WWF Canada.

WWF Canada recommends several actions based on the research results, including ways to avoid the conversion or degradation of carbon-rich landscapes, and the creation of a carbon guardian program to support interested indigenous communities to monitor and measure ecosystems on their land carbon.

"The results of this new analysis are at the critical moment of action. Canada has a great opportunity and responsibility to manage these important global climate carbon storage areas, and to support and empower indigenous peoples, knowledge systems and culture. Way to do so," said Vice President James Snider. Science, knowledge and innovation of WWF Canada.

“The Hudson and James Bay lowlands are covered by peatlands. Peatlands are a very dense and globally significant carbon storage area. Vern Cheechoo, Director of Land and Resources of the Mushkegowuk Committee, said these carbon-rich areas are called by our elders. It is "breathing the land" and has important cultural value to the communities in the area.

How do we map Canada's carbon storage?

Over a period of two years, researchers input data from existing soil samples across the country, long-term satellite data, and terrain and climate variables into machine learning algorithms. Researchers are able to estimate carbon with a spatial resolution of 250 meters in different carbon pools (soil and plant biomass) and multiple depths (1-2 meters).

"Tens of thousands of field measurements are fed into machine learning algorithms to train satellite observations, including space-based laser scan data to estimate plant biomass and carbon storage in soils across Canada. The resulting national carbon map will Conservation activities and policies have a huge impact in order to prioritize nature-based climate solutions," said Alemu Gonsamo, assistant professor at the Remote Sensing Laboratory at McMaster University.

B-roll and photos and map assets can be provided upon request.

This research will play a key role in WWF-Canada's 10-year plan, which aims to restore 1 million hectares of lost complex ecosystems, protect and manage 100 million hectares of ecologically rich habitats, and reduce 30 million tons of carbon emissions.

The mapping of the Canadian carbon landscape was done in collaboration with the McMaster University Remote Sensing Laboratory and was generously supported by Maple Leaf Foods and the Metcalfe Foundation.

"As the increase in carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases is a major accelerator of climate change, Maple Leaf Foods is honored to be able to support this groundbreaking initiative together with WWF Canada, Metcalfe Foundation and McMaster University. Research," said Tim Faveri, Vice President of Sustainability and Shared Value, Maple Leaf Foods. "As the world's first major carbon-neutral food company, we recognize the importance of this research to deepen our understanding of how to prioritize future conservation and soil regeneration efforts. This baseline is crucial for all Canadians' future generations. important."

About World Wildlife Fund Canada WWF-Canada is committed to taking fair and effective conservation actions to restore nature, reverse the loss of wildlife, and respond to climate change. We use scientific analysis and indigenous guidance to ensure that all our efforts are linked to one goal: a prosperous future for wildlife, nature, and humans. For more information, please visit wwf.ca.

McMaster University is the most research-intensive university in Canada and has been ranked as one of the top 100 universities in the world. Our researchers, students and staff work together to promote the health and well-being of mankind and society and create a better world.

Maple Leaf Foods Inc. ("Maple Leaf Foods") is a carbon neutral company whose vision is to be the most sustainable protein company on the planet, responsible for the production of leading brands of food, including Maple Leaf®, Maple Leaf Prime® , Maple Leaf Natural Selections®, Schneiders®, Schneiders® Country Naturals®, Mina®, Greenfield Natural Meat Co.®, Lightlife® and Field Roast™. Maple Leaf Foods has approximately 13,500 employees and has operations in Canada, the United States and Asia. The company is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (MFI).

The Metcalfe Foundation improves the efficiency of the joint efforts of people and organizations to help Canadians imagine and build a just, healthy and creative society. We create change by working at the intersection of climate, biodiversity, and sustainable livelihoods; focus on sustainable economic opportunities for low-income people and communities in Toronto; and support personal leadership and organizational innovation in the performing arts. https://metcalffoundation.com/

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