The contribution of ocean-based solutions to carbon reduction in China

• Published in: The Science of the total environment Vol. 797; p. 149168
• Main Authors: Feng, Cuicui, Ye, Guanqiong, Jiang, Qutu, Zheng, Yuhan, Chen, Guangwei, Wu, Jiaping, Feng, Xuehao, Si, Yulin, Zeng, Jiangning, Li, Peiliang, Fang, Kai
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 25.11.2021
• Subjects: Carbon reduction; China; Climate change; Ocean solutions; Climate change; Ocean solutions; Carbon reduction; China
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149168

Climate change has become a great challenge for humanity. However, the current climate change mitigation measures, primarily concentrate on land, more or less neglecting the vital role of the ocean-based solutions. While the ocean is a crucial regulator of the global climate, ocean-based solutions could also play an essential role in climate change mitigation and policymaking. This paper developed an Ocean-based Solutions Carbon Reduction Assessment Model (OSCRAM) that addresses coastal ecosystems, ocean energy, marine transportation, fishery, and seabed to estimate the oceanic contribution to climate change mitigation. It has been applied to evaluate the capacity of carbon emission reduction through oceans in China. We found that the total contribution for carbon emission reduction was about 6.86 Tg CO2 per year, and it may reach 139.39 Tg in 2030 under the target scenario. The results indicated that the ocean has huge potential to reduce carbon emissions. The development of marine energy and low-carbon marine shipping may have more potential for emission reduction in China, and the government should also protect and restore coastal wetlands for their enormous carbon storage. It can also provide a reference for the globe and other nations in achieving emission reduction goals. [Display omitted] •Use Ocean-based Solutions Carbon Reduction Assessment Model (OSCRAM) to evaluate carbon emission reduction by oceans•Ocean-based solutions could provide a massive boost to China's carbon reduction target.•The development of marine energy and low-carbon marine shipping may have more potential.•Provide references for achieving emission reduction goals and policy-making at the global level or in other nations