What role do wetlands serve in carbon sequestration?

Wetlands play a significant role in carbon sequestration by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This process occurs as plants in wetland areas grow and photosynthesize, taking up carbon and transferring it into the soil as organic matter when they die or shed leaves. Over time, the anaerobic conditions typically found in wetland soils slow down the decomposition process, allowing this carbon to be stored for extended periods. This ability to sequester carbon is vital in mitigating climate change effects, as it helps reduce the overall concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

The other options touch on important functions of wetlands, but they do not relate directly to carbon sequestration. Filtering pollutants from runoff is crucial for water quality, while providing breeding grounds for fish and acting as barriers against storm surge are essential for biodiversity and storm protection, respectively. However, these functions do not pertain to the process of capturing and storing carbon.