Ocean carbon absorption is weakening as global climate change intensifies, according to a recent UN report published ahead of the upcoming COP31 climate conference in November. The assessment was produced jointly by the UN environment agency, UNEP, and the UN climate secretariat, UNFCCC. While the ocean traditionally captures roughly thirty percent of human-made carbon dioxide emissions and ninety percent of excess heat generated by greenhouse gases, warming temperatures and changing ocean chemistry, ecosystems, and circulation have already lowered its carbon absorption capacity by approximately six percent. Lead author Sara Traerup warned that this negative process could accelerate further in the future, leaving larger amounts of carbon dioxide trapped in the atmosphere.
Monitoring gaps and ocean technologies
Addressing these challenges requires overcoming significant monitoring data gaps, particularly in the Arctic, the Indian and Southern Oceans, and many coastal zones. The report advocates for enhanced ocean carbon intelligence to effectively manage and protect marine systems. UNEP evaluated three categories of ocean climate technologies. Observation networks, sensors, and modeling represent the most mature and immediately required tools. Blue carbon ecosystems, including salt marshes, mangroves, and seagrasses, currently sequester about 407 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually while safeguarding coastlines and biodiversity. Finally, marine carbon dioxide removal techniques aim to capture atmospheric carbon for long-term storage, though they remain highly uncertain and need further regulation and research. Experts caution that these technologies must serve as a complement to emission cuts rather than a substitute.
Support for vulnerable island nations
Small Island Developing States account for under one percent of worldwide emissions yet face severe threats on the frontline of climate impacts. The study emphasizes the necessity of improving access to finance, capacity-building, and technology transfer for these vulnerable regions. Several islands have already implemented successful initiatives. In 2015, the Seychelles utilized a debt-for-nature swap to restructure foreign debt and fund marine conservation and climate resilience. Meanwhile, Pacific nations such as Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands received assistance to map mangroves and seagrass meadows, training more than one hundred individuals in carbon assessment. Furthermore, the report highlights the value of incorporating local and Indigenous knowledge, noting that communities have long relied on natural habitats and sustainable fisheries to protect their coastlines and manage resources effectively.
Source: Cosmo News Desk
