Here’s why “Blue Carbon” maybe the missing link in the crucial fight against climate change
|The carbon that marine ecosystems absorb and store is known as “blue carbon.” The well-known idea of “green carbon,” which describes the carbon retained by terrestrial ecosystems like forests and grasslands, is expanded upon by the term “blue carbon.”
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere is captured and stored in the biomass (leaves, branches, roots, etc.) and sediments of coastal marine ecosystems such mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass meadows. The seas serve as the planet’s largest heat and carbon sinks, and these ecosystems are exceptionally effective at storing carbon.
Our coast’s salt marshes, mangroves, and sea grasses “capture and hold” carbon, serving as so-called carbon sinks. Despite being considerably smaller than the planet’s forests, these coastal systems have the capacity to absorb carbon at a significantly faster rate and for millions of years. Although it is hidden from view, the majority of the carbon absorbed by these ecosystems is deposited below.

The preservation of coastal environment is the larger crucial aspect of blue carbon. A massive amount of carbon is released back into the atmosphere when these systems are disrupted, and this can subsequently contribute to climate change.
Therefore, one effective strategy to slow down climate change is to preserve and restore coastal habitats. In addition to offering recreational opportunities, storm protection, and nursery habitat for both commercial and recreational fishing, healthy coastal habitats are also protected when carbon in coastal systems is preserved.
With the exception of Antarctica, all continents have blue carbon ecosystems.
We still lack a thorough understanding of the geographic range of blue carbon ecosystems, especially with regard to inter-tidal marshes and seagrass beds. This is the most frequent obstacle preventing their sustainable management, restoration, and protection. Additionally, the lack of baseline inventory data for the total size of blue carbon ecosystems may lead to an underestimation of their climate benefits.
The climate adaptation portion of a nation’s climate strategy, or National Adaptation Plans should include effective clue carbon mitigation and storage strategy but for this a strong baseline data is necessary which is currently missing.
Some organisations such as the International Blue Carbon Initiative are working to preserve and restore coastal ecosystems for the benefit of biodiversity, the climate, and human well-being.
Blue carbon ecosystems are threatened by human activity and climate change itself, despite their significance in reducing the effects of climate change and the growing urgency and awareness to conserve them.
Coastal development, deforestation, pollution, habitat degradation, damaging fishing methods, uncontrolled tourism, and climate change are the main threats to coastal ecosystems and, consequently, blue carbon stocks.
The rate of loss for mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes is on the rise and 40–70% of the historical worldwide coverage has already been lost, with mangroves losing up to 68.9%.
When these ecosystems are destroyed, the stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere as gas, which raises global emissions, exacerbates climate change, and further diminishes the ability of these natural blue carbon storage systems.
Blue carbon ecosystems are becoming more widely acknowledged as a natural climate solution that can help achieve climate change adaptation and mitigation goals.
In order to help with the investments needed for conservation and restoration, emerging blue carbon markets should strive to include the value of co-benefits into existing carbon markets frameworks.