Global Study Highlights Urgent Blue Carbon Priorities in Climate Fight

Mar 26, 2026, 2:45 AM

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A major international study warns that significant scientific and practical gaps are hindering the effective use of blue carbon ecosystems (BCEs) in global climate change efforts. Led by an international team of researchers, including Professor William Austin from the University of St Andrews, the study identifies crucial questions that must be answered to advance credible and equitable blue carbon conservation and restoration globally.

Published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, the paper outlines a global agenda aimed at accelerating progress in this rapidly evolving field. Despite blue carbon's potential to mitigate climate change, only about 20% of eligible countries currently include these ecosystems in their National Inventory Reports, which represents a considerable gap under the Paris Agreement.

Recent advances in measuring carbon stocks and fluxes in coastal and marine ecosystems have made it increasingly feasible to integrate blue carbon into national climate strategies and emerging carbon markets. This progress has fueled global interest and research efforts, enhancing the connections between scientific inquiry, policy formulation, and practical action on the ground.

The paper, titled "Priority Questions for the Next Decade of Blue Carbon Science," serves as a guide for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers who face the challenge of establishing robust evidence to support the effective governance of BCEs. These ecosystems can potentially offset an additional 1-3% of global greenhouse gas emissions through conservation and restoration efforts.

First author Professor Peter Macreadie from RMIT University in Australia stated, "The field has shifted rapidly toward implementation, governance, and equity, and bringing a large international group to agreement on what matters most proved both difficult and deeply worthwhile." The research involved experts from 15 institutions, encompassing a diverse range of knowledge and experience, including contributions from early-career researchers and indigenous peoples.

Co-author Professor Pere Masque-Barri from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) emphasized the importance of international collaboration in developing a comprehensive roadmap for blue carbon research. He noted that the IAEA's support helped gather 30 scientists from around the world, allowing them to combine their expertise and reflect a global commitment to marine research and capacity building.

A panel of international experts identified the top ten questions that will shape the future of blue carbon science. Among these, the most pressing concern is managing coastal ecosystems at scale while supporting local livelihoods. Co-author Dr Hannah Morrissette from the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center remarked, "Conserving blue carbon ecosystems for the livelihoods of coastal communities is not only a scientific achievement but a universal responsibility." She stressed the importance of merging traditional and academic ecological knowledge to create effective management strategies based on local contexts.

Professor Austin highlighted that this study is part of a broader initiative under the United Nations Ocean Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. As the mid-point of the Ocean Decade approaches, the need for multilateral cooperation in science and a unified vision for the protection and restoration of blue carbon habitats has become increasingly urgent.

The study underscores the vital role that blue carbon ecosystems—such as mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass meadows—play in capturing and storing carbon while also providing essential co-benefits like enhancing ecosystem resilience and supporting biodiversity. However, these ecosystems face threats from climate change and human activities, which include coastal development, pollution, and tourism.

In conclusion, the urgent priorities identified in this global study present a roadmap for enhancing the role of blue carbon ecosystems in climate change mitigation. As researchers and policymakers work together to address these challenges, the integration of blue carbon into national climate strategies could pave the way for significant contributions to global climate targets.

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