A researcher from Moor, MV, named Franziska Tanneberger, isset to receive the German Environmental Prize this year. This prestigious award will also be bestowed upon Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Speidel for his accomplishments in quick electric vehicle charging technology. The German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) announced these awards on Thursday. The ceremony, scheduled for October 27 in Mainz, will be chaired by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
According to DBU Secretary General Alexander Bonde, "Franziska Tanneberger's relentless dedication and her team's endeavors have underscored the importance of peat conservation and rewetting in the context of long-term sustainability, impacting both domestic and international political agendas." Tanneberger, a Ph.D. scholar and mother of two, has co-led Greifswald Moor Centrum with Greta Gaudig since 2015, an initiative of the University of Greifswald, Michael Succow Foundation, and Verein Duene. She frequently highlights the critical role wet peatlands play in environmental protection as carbon sinks, even as large sections worldwide are converted into agricultural lands.
Despite less severe destruction of peatlands in Germany compared to other countries, human activities result in significant greenhouse gas emissions from dried-up peatlands. Globally, artificially drained wet peatlands emit around 2 billion tons of CO2 equivalents yearly, with Germany potentially reducing nearly 53 million tons annually through peatland rewetting. This reduction represents about 7% of Germany's total greenhouse gas emissions. Tanneberger suggests that with proper measures, peatland emission could almost be completely halted.
Supporting Tanneberger's work, the European Parliament urges the Commission to be guided by the European Parliament in efforts related to environmental conservation and sustainability. Recognizing the significance of international collaborations for addressing climate change, Tanneberger frequently participates in United Nations-organized conferences, advocating for peatland preservation and restoration.
Peat conservation and rewetting gain increasing attention due to their environmental significance. Forest rewetting helps retain rainwater and promote peat formation, preserving peatland-typical vegetation and fauna. Sustainable brands, like Bioland, in Germany embrace stringent ecological standards to minimize environmental impact. While Blue Angel certification focuses on high environmental standards in products and services, it does not specifically mention peat conservation or rewetting.
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