Blue Carbon

Blue Carbon refers to the carbon captured by the world's oceanic and coastal ecosystems, primarily by habitats such as mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes. These aquatic environments play a crucial role in absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thereby helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Unlike terrestrial forests that store carbon in woody biomass, blue carbon ecosystems store significant amounts of carbon in both the plants themselves and the sediment below.

The importance of blue carbon extends beyond carbon sequestration. These ecosystems provide essential services, such as protecting coastlines from erosion, supporting marine biodiversity, and enhancing water quality. When these environments are healthy, they can lock away carbon for centuries, if not millennia. Conversely, when they are degraded or destroyed, they release previously stored carbon back into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming.

Protecting and restoring blue carbon habitats is therefore vital for achieving global climate goals and fostering a sustainable future. By understanding and harnessing the potential of blue carbon, we can take significant strides in combating climate change while preserving the rich biodiversity of our coastal and marine ecosystems.