Blue carbon ecosystems: key instruments to fight climate change
Introducing Forward Financing of Climate Carbon Projects
These "blue carbon" ecosystems are dubbed as such owing to their ability to sequester carbon from the atmosphere. Apart from acting as carbon sinks, the pivotal role of these coastal ecosystems extends beyond carbon capture, contributing to the overall well-being of local communities by providing additional ecological services. Therefore, initiatives focused on the preservation and revitalization of these habitats not only mitigate climate change impacts but also enhance the resilience and prosperity of surrounding societies.
The oceans serve as the Earth's primary heat absorber, soaking up 90% of the extra warmth generated by climate change and 23% of CO2 emissions caused by human activities. Blue Carbon is indispensable due to its numerous advantages.
One key benefit is the vast storage potential of coastal Blue Carbon ecosystems. Despite covering only 2% of the ocean's total area, they account for half of its carbon absorption. For instance, a single hectare of mangroves stores carbon five times more effectively than an equivalent area of land forest. Seagrasses, another crucial coastal ecosystem, also play a significant role in carbon storage.
