Importance of Blue Carbon in Mitigating Climate Change and Plastic/Microplastic Pollution and Promoting Circular Economy

Abstract

Blue carbon has made significant contributions to climate change adaptation and mitigation while assisting in achieving co-benefits such as aquaculture development and coastal restoration, winning international recognition. Climate change mitigation and co-benefits from blue carbon ecosystems are highlighted in the recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report on Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate. Its diverse nature has resulted in unprecedented collaboration across disciplines, with conservationists, academics, and politicians working together to achieve common goals such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, which need proper policy regulations, funding, and multi-prong and multi-dimensional strategies to deal with. An overview of blue carbon habitats such as seagrass beds, mangrove forests, and salt marshes, the critical role of blue carbon ecosystems in mitigating plastic/micro-plastic pollution, as well as the utilization of the above-mentioned blue carbon resources for biofuel production, are critically presented in this research. It also highlights the concerns about blue carbon habitats. Identifying and addressing these issues might help preserve and enhance the ocean’s ability to store carbon and combat climate change and mitigate plastic/micro-plastic pollution. Checking out their role in carbon sequestration and how they act as the major carbon sinks of the world are integral parts of this study. In light of the global frameworks for blue carbon and the inclusion of microalgae in blue carbon, blue carbon ecosystems must be protected and restored as part of carbon stock conservation efforts and the mitigation of plastic/micro-plastic pollution. When compared to the ecosystem services offered by terrestrial ecosystems, the ecosystem services provided by coastal ecosystems, such as the sequestration of carbon, the production of biofuels, and the remediation of pollution, among other things, are enormous. The primary purpose of this research is to bring awareness to the extensive range of beneficial effects that can be traced back to ecosystems found in coastal environments.

Cyanobacteria: Symbiosis with the Sea - A MiniReview on their Role in Advancing the Blue Economy

“…Because cyanobacteria have antioxidant qualities, they can be used in skincare products and anti-aging formulations to prevent oxidative damage to skin cells. Cyanobacterial compounds immunomodulatory properties may be useful in treating immune-related illnesses [14].…”

Seagrass Community Structure and Ecosystem Carbon Stocks Along the Shoreline of Semujur Island, Bangka Belitung Province, Indonesia

“…The situation is exacerbated by the rising levels of greenhouse gases, including CO2, CH4, and N2O in the atmosphere, primarily driven by increased human activities (Cassia et al, 2018). Climate change mitigation endeavors have primarily focused on terrestrial vegetation, such as forests and plantations, as carbon sinks, often neglecting the potential contribution of coastal ecosystems (Bandh et al, 2023). Coastal ecosystems are renowned for their remarkable capacity to sequester and store carbon.…”

Fostering Environmental Stewardship through Mangrove Ecotourism: A Study on Gili Sulat's Educational Impact

“…Mangrove ecosystems are highly valued for their ecological benefits, serving as critical coastal habitats that contribute significantly to carbon sequestration, sea-level rise mitigation, and protection against storm surges. Bandh et al (2023) have highlighted the essential role mangroves play in climate change mitigation and the urgent need for their conservation. The exploration of mangrove ecotourism is paramount as it offers a means for individuals to experience firsthand the ecosystem services mangroves provide, thereby deepening the public's comprehension of their vital role in addressing climate change.…”