BLUE CARBON (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Blue Carbon is gaining attention globally due to its crucial role in carbon sequestration and coastal ecosystem health, prompting increased conservation efforts worldwide.

Blue Carbon

• About: It refers to carbon captured by ocean and coastal ecosystems worldwide.
• Storage in Ecosystem: Mangroves, tidal marshes, and seagrass meadows contain substantial carbon stores from vegetation and natural processes over centuries.
• Comparing with Terrestrial Forests: Coastal ecosystems often sequester and store more carbon per unit area compared to terrestrial forests.
• Role in Mitigation: These vegetated coastal ecosystems act as significant carbon sinks, contributing to the mitigation of climate change.
• Vulnerability: Degradation of coastal ecosystems can compromise their carbon sink capacity, releasing stored carbon and contributing to climate change.
• Importance: Protection and restoration of blue-carbon ecosystems have added benefits for wildlife, water quality, storm surge protection, and local economies.
• Global Policy Initiatives: Countries are developing policies and programs, such as REDD+ and NDCs, to manage natural systems and reduce carbon footprints in support of sustainable development.
• Other types:

oGreen carbon: Carbon stored in the biosphere, taken up from the atmosphere by plants through the process of photosynthesis.

oBlue carbon: Blue carbon refers to the carbon captured by the world's oceans and coastal ecosystems.

oBrown carbon: Brown carbon refers to the brown smoke emitted by the combustion of organic matter.