Rewetting local peatlands provides a vital defense, but it cannot single-handedly stop the massive carbon leaks caused by industrial drainage. When oil palm and pulpwood companies dig deep canals, they drop the water table. This dries out the soil, turning organic matter into CO2 through oxidation. Local efforts focus on 'canal blocking'—installing dams to raise the water level and keep the peat soggy.
These local blocks work well on a small scale. They stop the soil from shrinking and prevent ground fires. When the peat stays wet, it stops releasing tons of carbon every year. However, industrial operations often operate across entire provinces. A few well-placed dams cannot fix a massive, interconnected network of drainage channels built for large-scale plantations.
Think of it as plugging small holes in a sinking ship. While every plug helps, the industrial scale of drainage creates a constant, heavy flow of carbon. Local success depends heavily on whether these efforts include legal protections for the surrounding area. Without strict rules stopping further drainage, local rewetting remains a temporary patch rather than a permanent solution to industrial emissions.
