Potential of blue carbon for global climate mitigation : as part of the research project FKZ 3722 42 510 0 'Climate protection measures in coastal regions and waters' / publisher: Umweltbundesamt ; authors, institutions: Judith Reise, Cristina Urrutia, Dr. Laura von Vitorelli (Öko-Institut e.V.), Dr. Tim Jennerjahn (Leibniz Zentrum für marine Tropenforschung)

Abstract

Coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, seagrass meadows and tidal marshes, function as natural carbon sinks, thereby playing a vital role in the global carbon cycle. These Blue Carbon ecosystems have been found to be effective carbon storage mechanisms, whilst also providing a habitat for biodiversity and enhancing coastal resilience. This factsheet provides a comprehensive overview of the relevant literature on the subject and the potential protection and restoration of coastal ecosystems has to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate adaptation. It highlights, that the integration of Blue Carbon into national inventories and international climate frameworks can strengthen ocean protection and contribute meaningfully to global climate action.