Estimating Global “Blue Carbon” Emissions from Conversion and Degradation of Vegetated Coastal Ecosystems

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043542
• Publication Date: 2012-09-04T21:34:52Z
• Authors: Linwood Pendleton; Daniel C. Donato; Brian C. Murray; Stephen Crooks; W. Aaron Jenkins; Samantha Sifleet; Christopher Craft; James W. Fourqurean; J. Boone Kauffman; Núria Marbà; Patrick Megonigal; Emily Pidgeon; Dorothee Herr; David Gordon; Alexis Baldera
• Keywords: Degradation; Blue carbon; Carbon fibers

Recent attention has focused on the high rates of annual carbon sequestration in vegetated coastal ecosystems—marshes, mangroves, and seagrasses—that may be lost with habitat destruction ('conversion'). Relatively unappreciated, however, is that conversion these ecosystems also impacts very large pools previously-sequestered carbon. Residing mostly sediments, this 'blue carbon' can released to atmosphere when are converted or degraded. Here we provide first global estimates impact evaluate its economic implications. Combining best available data area, land-use rates, near-surface stocks each three ecosystems, using an uncertainty-propagation approach, estimate 0.15–1.02 Pg (billion tons) dioxide being annually, several times higher than previous account only for sequestration. These emissions equivalent 3–19% those from deforestation globally, result damages $US 6–42 billion annually. The largest sources uncertainty stems limited certitude area conversion, but research needed fates ecosystem upon conversion. Currently, not included accounting market protocols, analysis suggests they disproportionally important both. Although relevant science supporting initial will need refined coming years, it clear policies encouraging sustainable management could significantly reduce sector, addition sustaining well-recognized services habitats.