Forests, Peatlands & Climate Change
We envision a world where the vast and carbon-rich forests and peatlands of North America’s boreal and arctic remain ecologically intact.
How we work
WCS Canada is leading new partnerships and working collaboratively with researchers, Indigenous organisations and communities, and government and industry partners to:
- generate data to fill knowledge gaps;
- support Indigenous-led approaches to conservation; and using our scientific data and expertise;
- identify and advocate for improved legislation, policy and land-use planning for forests and peatlands at different governance levels across Canada.
Where we work
- Regional – in the Hudson Bay Lowlands (HBL), the Yukon, and other priority regions.
- National – across the boreal and arctic of North America; and
- Global – by contributing our data and expertise to advance the conservation of high-integrity peatlands and forests, in collaboration with global partners, including the WCS High-Integrity Peatlands Initiative.
Projects
Synthesis of peatland knowledge in the Hudson Bay Lowland
Synthesizing peatland research to understand how this region will respond to climate change and development
The National Peatland Policy Project
Developing a strategy for the protection, restoration and stewardship of peatlands in Canada
Peatland and Forest Vegetation
Understanding threats to peatlands and forests in the Hudson Bay Lowland and adjacent boreal shield.
Stories and op-eds
Ignoring Canada’s peatlands is a catastrophe in the making
Canada has one-quarter of the world’s peatlands within its borders, storing more carbon than the Amazon Rainforest.
Peatlands: Vital for carbon storage and stewardship
Peatlands are finally getting some overdue respect.Justina Ray, Meg Southee
Media coverage
An urgent effort to protect Canada's peatlands
To mark World Wetlands Day, Victoria Goodday joins the Wildlife Conservation Society podcast to discuss the National Peatlands Strategy.
2026-02-02 | Wild Audio
Why peatlands must be central to Canada’s climate and economic agendas
Victoria Goodday argues that natural assets like peatlands must be treated as essential economic infrastructure. With Canada holding one-quarter of the world’s peatlands, protecting them is critical to climate stability and long-term economic security.
2026-01-29 | Policy Options
Conservation group proposes peatland strategy, fighting to prevent peat mining in northern Sask.
Proposed strategy from WCS Canada includes ecosystem protection, research and local Indigenous voices.
2025-12-11 | CBC Saskatoon
Press releases
National Peatland Strategy proposed to protect climate-critical ecosystems amid extraction and industrial development rush
WCS Canada has today unveiled a proposed National Peatland Strategy, calling on federal, provincial, and territorial governments to adopt urgent measures to safeguard Canada’s most carbon-rich ecosystems.
