Decarbonizing the Atmosphere by Recarbonizing the Biosphere: A Nature-Based Solution to Climate Change

As we continue to face the devastating effects of climate change, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of the problem. But in the midst of this crisis, there's a powerful solution that we may be overlooking: the restoration of nature. This isn’t just about protecting ecosystems we still have; it’s about actively rebuilding what we've lost.

One of the most inspiring voices in this movement is Professor Carlos Duarte, whose work emphasizes the need to “decarbonize the atmosphere by recarbonizing the biosphere”—meaning we can restore ecosystems that capture and store carbon to help mitigate the impacts of climate change. Restoring nature is not only beneficial but is also one of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to fight climate change.

The Power of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems

Professor Duarte’s research focuses on the power of “blue carbon” meaning the carbon sequestered in coastal and marine ecosystems—mangroves, seaweed, seagrasses, and salt marshes. These habitats are carbon powerhouses, absorbing and storing carbon at rates up to four times higher than terrestrial forests. Unfortunately, these ecosystems are disappearing at an alarming rate, driven by human activities like deforestation, pollution, and climate change itself.

The Urgency of Ocean Restoration

The statistics are sobering. The World Wildlife Fund's Living Planet Report shows that we've already lost 80% of wild animal populations since 1970. Nearly 40% of marine species are now at risk of extinction. Coral reefs—home to a quarter of all marine species—have lost up to 50% of their coral cover in the past few decades. These ecosystems are essential to the health of our planet, but without immediate action, they could be lost forever.

Steps to Unlocking the Full Potential of Ocean Restoration

The good news is that we have an extraordinary opportunity to reverse the damage we've done. By focusing on the restoration of marine ecosystems, we can accelerate the recarbonization of the biosphere, reducing the effects of climate change. Here are the steps that can unlock the full potential of ocean restoration:

1. Accelerate Large-Scale Ecosystem Restoration:
   Nature has the ability to absorb carbon and regulate the climate, but we need to actively restore ecosystems like mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes that are vital for capturing and storing carbon. Immediate efforts to restore these ecosystems at scale are necessary for achieving meaningful carbon sequestration and addressing the climate crisis. The recent recognition of the importance of ocean ecosystems is a powerful step forward, and we must take advantage of it.

2. Leverage Global Recognition and Policy Support:
   International agreements like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework are creating momentum for ecosystem restoration. The framework includes ambitious restoration goals, such as protecting 30% of the world’s land and marine areas by 2030. This policy shift marks a critical step in the recognition of restoration as a necessary complement to conservation. The global community is beginning to recognize the need for both protecting existing ecosystems and restoring those that have been lost or degraded.

3. Implement Innovative Financial Mechanisms:
   To turn global commitments into actionable results, we need new financial mechanisms to fund large-scale ecosystem restoration projects. A regenerative blue economy could be the key to unlocking significant funding for these efforts. This approach not only creates sustainable economic opportunities for coastal communities but also provides the financial foundation for restoring our oceans. It's about finding new, innovative ways to support ecosystem restoration without solely relying on philanthropy.

4. Incorporate Oceans into Climate Strategies:
   Oceans were long left out of climate discussions, but thanks to platforms like COP 26 and COP 27, we’re seeing a shift. Oceans are now being recognized for their potential to mitigate climate change, and this is essential for the health of the planet. By incorporating ocean restoration into broader climate strategies, we can ensure that both terrestrial and marine ecosystems are working together to combat climate change.

5. Act Now—Before It’s Too Late:
   The window of opportunity to make a difference is shrinking. Every day that we delay action, ecosystems continue to degrade, and the climate crisis worsens. Acting now to restore our oceans is not just an idea; it’s a necessity. The damage we've caused can be reversed, but we need immediate action from governments, businesses, and individuals to unlock the full potential of ocean restoration.

Moving Forward: A Global Call to Action

This recognition of the oceans, alongside new policies, is a huge step forward, but there’s still much to be done. If we truly want to accelerate recarbonization of the biosphere, we need to focus on restoring our oceans and marine ecosystems. This isn’t just a theoretical solution—it’s a practical, effective, and urgent call to action.

Professor Duarte encapsulates the importance of this work perfectly:

"Restoring ecosystems is one of the most powerful and cost-effective tools we have to combat climate change. We have an extraordinary opportunity to accelerate the restoration of nature, allowing it to absorb carbon from the atmosphere and help regulate the climate."

Investing in the restoration of nature and working together on a global scale can help stabilize the climate and build a healthier, more sustainable future for everyone.

References:

1. Duarte, C. M. (2020). The role of coastal ecosystems in carbon sequestration. Science, 367(6475), 359-363.

2. World Wildlife Fund (2020). Living Planet Report 2020. WWF International.

3. Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, COP 15. Retrieved from UN Environment Programme.

4. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Reports, Special Report on Climate Change and Land(2019). IPCC.