ORCID
- Hall-Spencer, Jason: 0000-0002-6915-2518
Abstract
The potential for Blue Carbon ecosystems to combat climate change and provide co-benefits was discussed in the recent and influential Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate. In terms of Blue Carbon, the report mainly focused on coastal wetlands and did not address the socio-economic considerations of using natural ocean systems to reduce the risks of climate disruption. In this paper, we discuss Blue Carbon resources in coastal, open-ocean and deep-sea ecosystems and highlight the benefits of measures such as restoration and creation as well as conservation and protection in helping to unleash their potential for mitigating climate change risks. We also highlight the challenges—such as valuation and governance—to marshaling their mitigation role and discuss the need for policy action for natural capital market development, and for global coordination. Efforts to identify and resolve these challenges could both maintain and harness the potential for these natural ocean systems to store carbon and help fight climate change. Conserving, protecting, and restoring Blue Carbon ecosystems should become an integral part of mitigation and carbon stock conservation plans at the local, national and global levels.
DOI
10.3389/fclim.2021.710546
Publication Date
2021-09-07
Publication Title
Frontiers in Climate
Volume
3
Embargo Period
2021-09-22
Organisational Unit
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
Recommended Citation
Hilmi, N., Chami, R., Sutherland, M., Hall-Spencer, J., Lebleu, L., Benitez, M., & Levin, L. (2021) 'The Role of Blue Carbon in Climate Change Mitigation and Carbon Stock Conservation', Frontiers in Climate, 3. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fclim.2021.710546
