The role of ‘blue carbon’ in addressing climate change

Because of human activity, the carbon that's already stored in the ocean is at risk of being released.
May 29, 2024
green trees on body of water during daytime
Photo by Rod Long on Unsplash

Summary

  • The ocean serves as a vital carbon sink, capturing and storing carbon to mitigate climate change.
  • Coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves and salt marshes, are crucial in sequestering carbon and promoting biodiversity.
  • Blue carbon initiatives, which focus on restoring and managing coastal ecosystems, offer a nature-based strategy for climate change mitigation.
  • Local engagement and support for blue carbon solutions are essential for their effectiveness and sustainability.

Key quotes:

  • Within the ocean’s vast expanse lie immense reservoirs of carbon – surpassing those found in either the atmosphere or the land. 
  • Unsustainable use of the ocean’s resources – such as through overfishing – coupled with warming and acidification progressively erode the ocean’s capacity to regulate carbon and heat and its ability to sustain essential resources and services. 
  • Coastal ecosystems – particularly vegetated ones, such as mangroves, seagrasses and salt marshes – are among the most crucial marine systems for storing carbon.

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Read the full post at Carbon Brief.

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