U.S. States Play Major Role Boosting, Expanding 'Blue Carbon'

Collected research and analyses of states’ efforts to leverage coastal habitats to address climate change

Wetlands
A wooden dock stretches over wetlands on Bald Head Island, North Carolina. Coastal and terrestrial habitats—including seagrasses, salt marshes, mangroves, forested tidal wetlands, and peatlands—are exceptionally efficient at capturing and storing climate-warming carbon.
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U.S. states and local jurisdictions are largely responsible for governing their coasts, so they play a critical role in ensuring the protection and restoration of “blue carbon” habitats, such as seagrasses and salt marshes, that absorb and sequester the carbon that drives climate change and offer many other benefits to coastal communities and the environment. For example, the forested tidal wetlands in Oregon—which have declined 95% from historic levels—store more carbon per acre than almost any ecosystem on Earth, while also supporting fisheries, improving water quality, and protecting communities from flooding.

The Pew Charitable Trusts collaborates with governmental entities and researchers in targeted states to identify and catalog blue carbon habitats and craft strategies to maintain and enhance them as part of larger efforts to address climate change. Further, because the U.S. rejoined the Paris Agreement in February 2021, federal policymakers also have a renewed opportunity to advance national goals on this vital issue and make the country’s coastal communities more resilient to the growing threats from climate change.

 A marsh with mostly water in the foreground and mostly seagrasses beyond is tranquil in the soft light of sunrise or sunset, which gives most of the seagrasses a golden hue. The sky is partly cloudy.
 A marsh with mostly water in the foreground and mostly seagrasses beyond is tranquil in the soft light of sunrise or sunset, which gives most of the seagrasses a golden hue. The sky is partly cloudy.
Article

States Harness Coastal Wetlands to Meet Climate Goals

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Article

As the consequences of climate change continue to unfold across the U.S.—including through intensifying floods, droughts, wildfires, and sea-level rise—many states are leveraging the power of nature to lock away carbon and help counter climate-related threats.

A person in wader boots stands in shallow water with partially submerged vegetation and dips a yellow ruler into the water. Bushes and a blue sky with clouds fill in the background.
A person in wader boots stands in shallow water with partially submerged vegetation and dips a yellow ruler into the water. Bushes and a blue sky with clouds fill in the background.
Issue Brief

How States Can Develop Blue Carbon Programs

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Issue Brief

As climate change poses more and greater risks to people and the planet, states are turning to “natural climate solutions” that harness the ability of ecosystems to capture and store the greenhouse gases (GHGs), such as carbon dioxide and methane, that fuel sea-level rise, more frequent storms, coastal flooding, and other effects.

 A person in a red jacket, blue jeans, and black waders stands in a shallow, rocky riverbed and fly fishes next to a cliff dotted with boulders. A few trees and plants protrude from the rocks, and other greenery hugs part of the water’s edge.
 A person in a red jacket, blue jeans, and black waders stands in a shallow, rocky riverbed and fly fishes next to a cliff dotted with boulders. A few trees and plants protrude from the rocks, and other greenery hugs part of the water’s edge.
Article

New Administration Conservation Goals Rely on Partnerships

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Article

Across the U.S., rivers, lakes, wetlands, and other freshwater resources that are invaluable to the country’s ecological and economic health face dire threats. In response, the Biden administration this week announced The America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge.

Issue Brief

How Seagrasses Help NC Address Climate Change

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Issue Brief

Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally will require a multifaceted approach. Conserving, restoring, and managing natural habitats such as forests, grasslands, and wetlands is one strategy that can help moderate emissions and slow the rate of climate change.

OUR WORK

A Look at Pew's Comprehensive Approach to Climate Change

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The Pew Charitable Trusts promotes a nonpartisan, multiple-policy-area approach to address the impacts of a changing climate. Pew leads and supports convenings of climate leaders and stakeholders—including as a sponsor of the 2024 National Adaptation Forum—to build a shared understanding of climate conditions and risks, and to identify effective, scalable solutions.

Mangrove forest
Mangrove forest
Issue Brief

Coastal 'Blue Carbon' and Combating Climate Change

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Issue Brief

Coastal wetlands, including salt marshes, mangrove forests, and seagrass meadows, are among the most productive—and threatened—ecosystems on the planet.

Wilimington, North Carolina sunset
Wilimington, North Carolina sunset
Article

Blue Carbon Network Helps States Address Climate Change

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Article

Coastal wetlands—including seagrass beds, salt marshes, and tidal forested wetlands—can help to protect coastal communities from severe storms and flooding. Because they are also incredibly efficient at capturing and storing carbon, these coastal habitats are natural allies in the fight against climate change.

Scientist measuring water depth
Scientist measuring water depth
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