Blue carbon, captured by marine environments regained recognition as a practical global solution for carbon accounting and sequestration. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is preparing for an upcoming climate summit and prioritizing effective marine carbon sinks. Great potential for carbon storage is evident in Fjords in temperate regions like New Zealand and Scotland. Due to this, these regions have been marked as blue carbon hotspots. Protection and harnessing the capacity of these areas could result in global leadership in addressing climate challenges along with preserving marine ecosystems.
Blue carbon is the one captured by the marine environment. The concept of blue carbon was brought forward around 15 years ago, but it was not discussed as a possible way to fight climate challenges. Now, it is estimated that blue carbon in Fjords can solve climate challenges.
This week as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) convenes in Germany to prepare for the upcoming climate summit in November, it is increasingly evident that blue carbon is gaining widespread recognition as a practical global solution for both carbon sequestration and accounting.
There are several opportunities related to blue carbon; however, prioritizing the most effective marine carbon sinks seems to be the most logical approach. The fjords in temperate areas have high carbon storage capacity especially in regions like Scotland and New Zealand’s Fiordland, as evidenced by several studies.
Blue carbon solutions emerge
New Zealand’s Climate Change Commission recently released its draft advice to inform the strategic direction of the government’s second emissions reduction plan, covering the 2026–2030 emissions budget.
Exotic pine forestry is heavily relied upon for carbon removal. Carbon stored in production forests is only kept while trees are not cut down or products made from them remain untouched. The availability of land also poses a constraint to forestry planting.
There is a wide spectrum of blue carbon opportunities that range from restoring wetlands to cultivating seaweed. They have different scientific views on how fast and how much carbon can be stored, and their readiness for being included in policies to address climate change. A crucial task is to accurately assess the location and rate at which carbon is stored for extended periods.
Determining this can be challenging especially when the place of carbon deposition is far removed from the place of carbon capture. Here carbon deposition place refers to deep ocean sediments and carbon capture place is the surface of water where photosynthesis occurs. Governments want to protect natural carbon stores and are focused on finding ways to capture and store more carbon for the long-term.
These efforts include planting mangrove forests in the tropics that need to reliably demonstrate additionality and permanence. The need for verification has hindered significant investment on a large scale.
Fjords are hotspots for carbon
Coastal wetlands such as mangrove forests and salt marshes were among the initial blue carbon initiatives. In 2013, they became part of the carbon accounting system established by the UNFCCC. The coastal and deeper ocean provide opportunities for carbon storage as well.
The sequestration of organic carbon through rapid burial in the seafloor is a proven and effective means of achieving long-term storage. Certain aquatic environments serve as prime locations (hotspots) for carbon sequestration.
Fiordland’s fjords are one of the highest hotspots, burying the largest amount of organic carbon per area in the world, despite being located in temperate areas.
Fjords cover less than 0.1% of the Earth’s surface. According to estimates by researchers, these Fjords are responsible for around 11% of the worldwide burial of marine organic carbon. In Fiordland, extra organic matter from the rainforest is deposited into the fjords and sinks quickly to low-oxygen areas, where it is protected.
New Zealand’s revised carbon budget, based on atmospheric measurements and modeling, reveals that Fiordland’s carbon sink is even bigger than previously believed. It has the potential to reduce 10-20% of New Zealand’s yearly greenhouse gas emissions.
It’s unclear if human activities, like freshwater input from generating electricity, have affected Fiordland’s ability to store carbon despite its strong protection. But blue carbon in Fjords can solve climate challenges.
As the climate is still changing, we fear that the exceptional ability of fjords to store carbon might be jeopardized in the future. Certain areas of Fiordland may fail to sequester carbon effectively, or, even worse, transition from being carbon sinks to carbon emitters.
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Scotland as leader
In 2018, Scotland showed its leadership in the blue carbon field by creating a forum dedicated to promoting the development of science and policies. The increasing worldwide recognition of fjords as crucial blue carbon environments suggests the formation of a fresh alliance among “fjord nations”. This could possibly prompt stock assessments.
As per the Bute House Agreement (2021) by the Scottish government, there is a promise to safeguard 10% of the Scottish seas through the designation of Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs). The inclusion of blue carbon potential in the selection process of HPMA sites represents a groundbreaking measure.
The designation of Scottish sea lochs (or fjords) as HPMA is highly appropriate, given their exceptional marine ecosystems and sediments flooded with organic matter. Protecting blue carbon hotspots could be a global leadership opportunity to help us understand the increasing threats faced by these ocean capes.
As part of the Paris Agreement, countries are required to frequently make climate commitments, which are referred to as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The data provides valuable insights into the level of ambition of each country.
The UK’s new climate commitment for 2022 aimed to enhance marine management in line with its strategy to boost carbon sequestration and biodiversity.
In 2021, Scotland released an indicative NDC, showcasing the immense potential of blue carbon. New Zealand’s updated NDC for 2021 mentions the ocean briefly and expresses interest in exploring new wetland methodologies in the future.
There is no marine policy in New Zealand, as of now. The significant capacity of our oceans, particularly fjords, to capture carbon is becoming increasingly evident. There is still much more to understand, protect, and restore parts of our coastline and seafloor. This includes all those which have the potential of delivering benefits to climate, a sustainable blue economy and marine life.
Source: NZ Climate Change Commission
