Blue carbon

Blue carbon refers to the carbon dioxide captured by the world's oceans and coastal ecosystems. The term "blue carbon" was first used in 2009 by the United Nations to describe the carbon captured by living organisms in oceans and stored in the form of biomass and sediments from mangroves, salt marshes, seagrasses and potentially, algae.

Overview

Blue carbon ecosystems are particularly effective at mitigating climate change because they can absorb carbon dioxide at a faster rate per unit area than terrestrial forests. The carbon stored in these ecosystems, particularly in mangrove forests and seagrass meadows, is known as "blue carbon".

Ecosystems

Mangroves

Mangroves are trees and shrubs that grow in saline coastal habitats in the tropics and subtropics. They are among the most carbon-rich forests in the tropics.

Salt Marshes

Salt marshes are coastal wetlands that are flooded and drained by salt water brought in by the tides. They are marshy because the soil may be composed of deep mud and peat.

Seagrasses

Seagrasses are flowering plants that grow in marine, fully saline environments. They are considered the third most valuable ecosystem globally for carbon sequestration.

Importance

Blue carbon ecosystems play a significant role in sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere. They also provide other important ecosystem services such as storm protection, improved water quality, and habitat for commercially important fish species.

Threats

Despite their importance, blue carbon ecosystems are among the most threatened ecosystems on Earth. They are being lost at a rapid rate due to coastal development, pollution, and changes in land use.

Conservation

Efforts are being made globally to conserve and restore blue carbon ecosystems. These efforts are not only crucial for climate change mitigation but also for biodiversity conservation and the livelihoods of local communities.

See also

• Carbon sequestration
• Climate change mitigation
• Coastal management