- Wetlands are often as diverse as rain forests
- Some wetlands act as a sink for the greenhouse gas CO2
- Wetlands disappearing at an alarming rate
- Wetlands provide a great drainage area during storms
- Wetlands are extremely resilient to storms
Wetlands are an extremely important and diverse part of nature. In the United States alone it is estimated that every state, except Alaska and Hawaii, has lost around 50% of their wetlands. Wetlands are a very unique biome in their ability to constantly change with the water levels. This constant change is what makes them so diverse but also very vulnerable to climate changes. These natural wonders are very important reservoirs for Carbon Dioxide, one of the most notorious green house gasses. They are also great at absorbing floodwaters in the events of storms, which is why in areas where they are disappearing they are experiencing much worse flood than they ever did before. Regulations are being set in place to help protect these wondrous areas and all the life that they bring.
I was never aware of either the diversity or the importance of wetlands. I was also not aware at the alarming rate they are disappearing. The way in which these areas are so resilient is truly amazing. I think they are a great way of looking at how people should live life. Instead of trying to control nature, the wetland learned to adapt and change with what it is given. I sincerely hope that the regulations being set in place will be successful in protecting these gems of the natural world.