Wetlands currently cover 5.5 percent of the land in the United States. An estimated 95 percent of these wetlands are freshwater. Marshes can reduce erosion, stabilize shorelines, and protect against storm surge. Wetlands are home to 40 percent of the world's species, they protect us from flooding, and provide food and clean water. Wetlands can improve water quality by removing pollutants from surface waters. Wetlands are extremely effective in storing Carbon dioxide and preventing it from harming the atmosphere.