Billionaire Amazon boss Jeff Bezos funds Manchester Project to restore ‘super species’ moss in climate change battle

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is backing a pioneering project in Manchester to study a “super species” of moss that could be the key to tackling climate change.

Sphagnum moss, which grows in peatlands across the UK including in Manchester’s neighbouring Peak District Moors, could be crucial in the fight against global warming, according to the University of Manchester’s Dr Jonathan Ritson.

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The moss captures carbon and reduces methane emissions, but human activities have led to its decline, including across the nearby Peaks. Ritson explained: “”We are basically downwind of Manchester, the heart of the industrial revolution. There was so much acid rain from all the coal being burnt that essentially the sphagnum and a lot of other vegetation just died off completely.”

The university’s team is aiming to reverse the decline, and funding from the tech billionaire could help make that happen.

The team has been awarded the Bezos Earth Fund Greenhouse Gas Removal Ideation Prize, established by Bezos, and the boost will help Dr Ritson and his team research the best ways of restoring sphagnum moss – the team ultimately hope to help replenish not just the UK’s spagnum moss population, but the rest of Northern Europe’s too.

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The team’ hopes to use a variety of sphagnum mosses as a natural filter to trap the methane and stop it being released. This will be done through lab testing and planting the moss out in the field.

By identifying and cultivating “super” strains of sphagnum moss, the team hope they can create a natural and sustainable way to capture the methane and gradually restore the landscape.

“Manchester has been building up its reputation as a global hub for peatland research and it’s really great to have that recognised,” Ritson added.

What is sphagnum moss? A horticultural primer

Sphagnum moss is a type of moss that belongs to the genus Sphagnum. It is commonly found in wetlands, such as bogs and marshes, and plays a crucial role in the formation of peat, which is partially decomposed organic matter. Sphagnum moss is known for its high water retention capacity, as it can absorb and hold large amounts of water, making it an important component in maintaining the moisture levels in its natural habitat.

In horticulture, sphagnum moss is often used as a soil amendment or growing medium because of its ability to retain moisture and provide aeration to plant roots. It is also used in the floral industry for arrangements and as a lining for hanging baskets. Additionally, sphagnum moss has been used historically for wound dressing due to its absorbent and antiseptic properties.

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