When it comes to fighting climate change, you probably know how important renewable energy is. And you may know about how forests and other natural landscapes can soak up carbon.
But there’s another planet-sized force on our side, an unsung hero that’s really making waves. We’re talking about the ocean.
Not only is the ocean home to some of the most astounding creatures on Earth, it also provides half of the oxygen we breathe and regulates weather patterns around the world.
And parts of the ocean are real superheroes when it comes to preventing further global warming. Coastal habitats—like salt marshes, seagrasses, and mangroves— can store 5-10 times more carbon per acre than forests on land. This process is known as "blue carbon."
Using their roots, these wetlands trap this carbon from decomposing plants on the ocean floor, sometimes for thousands of years, keeping it from driving temperatures even higher.
But these mighty defenders need our help. Around the world we’ve lost huge swaths of coastal wetlands, and we are still losing them now.
And when we lose these habitats, we don’t just lose climate allies—we lose protection from storms, nurseries for fish, and habitats for amazing creatures like manatees, rays and birds of all kinds
But there are things we can do to help these amazing places. We can choose seafood that was produced without harming coastal habitats, and plan new development better so we ensure fresh water keeps flowing to mangrove roots and pollution stays out of seagrass meadows
We can all do our part to protect our ocean and its coasts. Because when mangroves, marshes and seagrass join forces with clean energy, forests and other habitats—that’s how we turn the tide on climate change.
