Blue Carbon – Linking the latest science and policies
Organiser
- Ocean Policy Research Institute of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (OPRI-SPF)
- Conservation International
- IUCN
- IOC-UNESCO
- Global Ocean Forum
- Blue Carbon Initiative
Event Overview
The oceans not only serve a large role in absorbing and stabilizing greenhouse gases emitted as a result of human activities, but also face large-scale impacts on their environments from climate change, including sea level rise, ocean warming, and ocean acidification. In addition, to ensure steady implementation of the Paris Agreement adopted in 2015, there is a need for each country to implement its NDCs, including efforts in ocean fields. To address these issues, the side event “Blue Carbon – linking the latest science and policies” (Organizers: OPRI-SPF, IOC-UNESCO, and others) took place as part of the networked Oceans Action Day (GCA Event) at COP24.
Blue Carbon, referred to as “carbon captured and stored by marine living organisms” (UNEP, 2009) is attracting attention as a mitigation measure from the oceans. In addition to information on the publications, several panelists gave presentations, following introductions on the subject by Dr. Emily Pidgeon and Dr. Yoshihisa Shirayama who served as moderators. Dr. Tomohiro Kuwae presented on the effectiveness of blue carbon in shallow coastal ecosystems based on latest scientific findings. Dr. Stephen Crooks spoke of the new research in ecosystems with regards to blue carbon, and expressed hope for social science-based approaches and the integration of blue carbon in strategies to decrease carbon emissions.
Speakers
- Miko Maekawa, Senior Research Fellow, OPRI-SPF
- Masako Ogawa, Director for International Strategy on Climate Change, Ministry of Environment, Japan
- Atsushi Sunami, President, OPRI-SPF
- Yoshihisa Shirayama, Associate Executive Director, JAMSTEC
- Emily Pidgeon, Senior Director of the Oceans and Climate Program, Conservation International
- Stephen Crooks, Co-Chair of Scientific Working Group, Blue Carbon Initiative
- Tomohiro Kuwae, Group Head, Coastal and Estuarine Environment Research Group, Port and Airport Research Institute
- Gavin Singleton, Project Manager, Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation
- Kirsten Isensee, Programme Specialist, UNESCO-IOC
Event Materials
Event Summary
Blue Carbon initiatives are taking place worldwide, in countries including the United States, Australia, Kenya, Japan, and Indonesia.
Due to research in recent years, there have been improvements in quantification of carbon fixation from Blue Carbon, which has attracted hope for it as a mitigation measure.
Sea grass has potential for Blue Carbon, and is key for future mitigation.
However, there are also issues stemming from uncertainty, and there is a necessity to decrease such uncertainties through accumulation of scientific data and modeling.
Blue Carbon is a new concept for Indigenous Australians. It presents an opportunity for creation of a sustainable environment conservation program.
From a policy perspective, it is important to integrate natural science with economic assessments, and also cooperate with local stakeholders.
Blue Carbon is a good approach for action towards sustainable development of the oceans. There is a need to invest in Blue Carbon in a sustainable manner.
Message
For more information on this event, please see the following website.
https://www.spf.org/en/_opri/news/20181222.html
