Why blue carbon cannot truly offset fossil fuel emissions
The global climate is changing dramatically as a result of excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Nature-based solutions, such as the expansion or protection of forests or coastal blue carbon ecosystems—mangroves, salt marshes, seagrass meadows, seaweed—have been proposed as a means to offset emissions and reduce the effects of climate change. However, there is considerable public confusion about the mitigation potential of such nature-based solutions.
Related Knowledge Center: Carbon capture
The federal government is investing heavily in the development of carbon capture and storage (or sequestration), which offers the enticing prospect of preventing carbon dioxide emissions produced during combustion from entering the atmosphere and contributing to climate change. But the technologies involved, while proven, remain expensive, an obstacle to widespread adoption.
Related Knowledge Center: Climate information
Legitimate debate and uncertainty are part of the science process, but opponents of climate action are able to distort that discussion to derail progress and mislead the public.