Tuesday January 27, 2026
Maven’s Notebook —
Carbon is the foundation of the Delta’s peat soils and a key component of two major greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide, which persists in the atmosphere indefinitely, and methane, a short-lived but highly potent greenhouse gas. Since the 1850s, draining the Delta’s soils has released over a billion tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere—equivalent to about a quarter of the United States’ annual emissions today. However, the process could potentially be reversed, making Delta wetland restoration a powerful ally in the quest to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The critical role of Delta wetlands in addressing these challenges was a key focus of a panel discussion at the September 2025 meeting of the Delta Stewardship Council.
Oxidation of the Delta’s peat soils has not only contributed to climate change but also increased pressure on Delta levees, raising flood risks and threatening California’s water supply, while reducing farmland.