– All of Sweden should be extremely upset that the Finnish state-owned company Neova is engaged in peat mining in our country. This is money that goes straight into the pockets of the Finnish state. We are left with torn up bogs, sabotaged nature, and carbon dioxide emissions while the Finnish state has received 466 million euros to phase out its peat mining in its own country. What a senseless hypocrisy, says Edvin Erixzon, press spokesperson for Återställ Våtmarker.
According to a study published in The Guardian, peatlands are colossal carbon sinks and unprotected peat bogs are a ticking time bomb. The study also states that preserving peat bogs is crucial to tackling climate change. The Finnish company Neova is responsible for over 70% of the peat mining in Sweden.
– It is time to terminate all agreements with foreign companies that extract peat in Sweden. The fact that those in power have not even banned a fossil-based outdated industry, which is among the easiest, cheapest and most effective ways to save nature and life, clearly shows what is hidden behind the well-polished mask: lies, greed and self-interest, says Lior Tell Stefansson, press spokesperson for Restore Wetlands.
Peatlands make up 3% of the Earth’s land surface. Untouched peat bogs store more than twice as much carbon dioxide as all the world’s forests combined. The drained peatlands in the world emit so much carbon dioxide that they are considered the fourth largest polluter in the world.
– I am doing this for my children. We ordinary people have a responsibility. We cannot let those in power destroy our children’s future, says Amanda Didricksson who participated in the action.
