Under water and out of sight, one of the most effective weapons of humanity against climate change is fighting.
According to a new study, the failure to protect the marine pasta of the world will have a high cost, in more than one sense.
Protecting the marine steps of the world, climatic damages valued at more than US $ 200 billion could prevent the release of 1.2 billion tons of carbon contamination, an amount equivalent to the annual carbon footprint of 100 million homes in the United States.
“Marine pastures are not only important for marine biodiversity: they are a critical piece of the climate puzzle,” said Johannes Krause, lead author of the study and assistant professor at Florida International University. “If we do not act now, we run the risk of losing thesis ecosystems and aggravating the effects of climate damage. It is time to prioritize marine pasta.”
Combining the investigation of approximately 3,240 sites in 61 countries, the study, led by Conservation International and Florida International University, is the most complete aspect to date in the amount of carbon stored by the marine pasta of the world.
Critically, the study shows, not all sea grass is the same when it comes to carbon storage.
“There is a great diversity in marine pasture ecosystems,” Krause said. “Those that are high, with long leaves and deep roots systems store much more carbon than other narrower varieties.”
A bed of marine pastures in Honduras.
While the study finds that the amount of carbon in the hands of marine pasta worldwide is on average lower than previous estimates, it is a more precise and detailed account, hey, and can help the areas of priority of marine pastures that capture the largest amount of carbon.
The meadows of marine pastures in the tropical Atlantic, the Mediterranean and southern Africa have the highest carbon existers, up to almost four times more carbon than the global avaage for marine pasta. A single hectare (2.5 acres) of marine pastures in these regions can store the equivalent of annual emissions of up to 22 cars.
“Our data set is more robust than ever, giving us a much clearer image than is capable or,” Krause said. “By breaking it in different species in different regions, we can now sign up for our efforts for the most effective action.”
As a climate ally, sea pastes are often overlooked, literally. Growing up below the surface of the water, sea pastes are often difficult to study and, as a result, difficult to point to protection, he said.
Researchers estimate that vegetable coastal ecosystems, including marine pastures, cover only 2 percent of the ocean bottom, but represent 50 percent of carbon storage. However, because sea pastries are so diffuse to study, scientists still do not have a complete understanding of how much it exists in the world.
The benefits of marine pastures extend far beyond carbon: they help protect the coastal communities of erosion, improve water quality and provide habitat and fish for fish and other marine people.
But threats to marine pasta are equally numerous. Agricultural runoff can drown sea grass, while giving rise to algae that block sunlight. Deforestation and erosion near coastal areas lead to excessive amounts of sediments that can suffocate marine grass. And destructive fishing practices such as background drag can tear sea transfers through their roots.
“Unfortunately, marine pasta is tied to the bottom of the ocean,” Krause said. “They cannot simply move when a threat comes; they are really sensitive to what is presented to him.”
Keeping marine grass is one of the most profitable and powerful actions against climate change, said Emily Pidgeon, study co -author and Vice President of Conservation International for Ocean Sciences.
“The vital role played by marine pastures not only in carbon storage, but also in the protection of coastal communities, is abundantly clear,” he said. “With adequate policies and investments, we can protect these underwater treasures and the climatic benefits they provide.”
Policies such as water quality management and habitat destruction in coastal areas contribute greatly to protecting marine pastures, Pidgeon said. But it is essential to move quickly.
Countries must include the protection of marine pastures in plans to address climate change, as well as adopt financial protection opportunities, such as carbon markets, which provide financial incentives in exchange for carbon protection stored by trees and mangroves.
“The marine grass is subpeted in carbon financing initiatives compared to other coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves,” Pigeon said. “Not only invest in the global conservation of marine pastures will unlock its carbon storage potential, but also support fishing, coastal erosion and improve water quality: safeguard our planets and coastal ecosystems for humanity.”
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Mary Kate McCoy is a personnel writer at Conservation International. Why read more stories like this? Register to obtain updates by email. In addition, please support our critical work.
