Litcius/Paper detail

Why blue carbon cannot truly offset fossil fuel emissions

Sophia C. Johannessen, James R. Christian

2023Communications Earth & Environment33 citationsDOIOpen Access PDF

Abstract

Blue carbon will not solve climate change. The effect is too small; existing sediment carbon stock is a liability; and there is a timescale mismatch between ancient fossil fuel emissions and uptake by vegetation. Clearer communication would support informed decision-making. Blue carbon will not solve climate change. The effect is too small; existing sediment carbon stock is a liability; and there is a timescale mismatch between ancient fossil fuel emissions and uptake by vegetation. Clearer communication would support informed decision-making.

Topics & Concepts

Fossil fuelBlue carbonLiabilityCarbon offsetClimate changeEnvironmental scienceOffset (computer science)Carbon fibersStock (firearms)Vegetation (pathology)SedimentCarbon stockNatural resource economicsCarbon dioxideEcologyBusinessCarbon sequestrationGeologyOceanographyComputer scienceGeographyEconomicsPaleontologyArchaeologyFinanceBiologyProgramming languageComposite numberMedicinePathologyAlgorithmCoastal and Marine Management