One of the following regions has the world's largest tropical peatland, which holds about three years worth of global carbon emissions from fossil fuels; and the possible destruction of which can exert detrimental effect on the global climate. Which one of the following denotes that region?

The correct answer is Option 2.Key PointsCongo Basin:

• Geography and Climate:
  • Area: The Congo Basin covers an area of approximately 3.7 million square kilometers.
  • Rivers: The region is dominated by the Congo River, the second-longest river in Africa, which has numerous tributaries forming an extensive network of waterways.
  • Climate: The Congo Basin has a tropical climate with high humidity and significant rainfall throughout the year, especially during the two rainy seasons.
• Peatlands:
  • Cuvette Centrale Peatlands: This area within the Congo Basin holds the world's largest tropical peatland, covering approximately 145,500 square kilometers. These peatlands store around 30 billion tons of carbon, making them crucial for carbon sequestration and climate regulation. Hence option 2 is correct
  • Carbon Storage: The peatlands in the Congo Basin are estimated to contain the equivalent of three years' worth of global carbon emissions from fossil fuels. Their destruction would release significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
• Biodiversity:
  • Flora: The Congo Basin is home to dense tropical rainforests that contain a vast array of plant species. It is estimated that there are over 10,000 plant species, with around 30% being endemic.
  • Fauna: The region supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, forest elephants, and a wide variety of birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
• Human Impact and Conservation:
  • Population: The Congo Basin is home to around 75 million people, many of whom depend on the forest for their livelihoods through activities such as agriculture, hunting, and fishing.
  • Threats: Deforestation, logging, mining, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development pose significant threats to the forests and peatlands of the Congo Basin.
  • Conservation Efforts: Various international and local organizations are working to protect the Congo Basin through conservation initiatives, sustainable management practices, and policies aimed at reducing deforestation and preserving biodiversity.