What role do wetlands play in climate regulation?

Wetlands act as carbon sinks, which is crucial in the context of climate regulation. These ecosystems are highly efficient at capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When plants in wetlands grow, they absorb CO2 during photosynthesis. As these plants die and decompose in the waterlogged conditions of wetlands, the carbon they contained is often stored in the soil rather than being released back into the atmosphere. This process helps to mitigate climate change by reducing the overall concentration of greenhouse gases.

In addition to carbon storage, wetlands provide various ecological benefits, including water purification, flood control, and habitat for diverse wildlife. Their ability to store water also makes them vital for maintaining hydrological cycles, but their primary role in climate regulation focuses on the carbon sequestration aspect.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary contributions of wetlands. While it's true that wetlands can experience changes in salinity, that is not their defining role in climate regulation. Similarly, they do not simply store water as their only function or release large amounts of carbon, which would contribute negatively to the climate. Therefore, the assertion that wetlands act as carbon sinks highlights their significant and positive role in addressing climate change.