The role of engineering innovation in Blue Carbon solutions
J. RidleyOcean Nourishment Corporation (ONC).
The APPEA Journal 52(2) 706-706 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ11120
Published: 2012
Abstract
Humanity faces the global challenge of safely removing CO2 from the atmosphere to secure a stable climate. Broadly, there are three options: terrestrial, soils and ocean, and coastal Blue Carbon sinks. Each option has unique characteristics in relation to permanence, leakage, environmental integrity, and co-benefits.
This extended abstract explores opportunities for Blue Carbon projects and highlights the important role of engineers in advancing the success of these innovative techniques. Examples of Blue Carbon include salt marshes, mangroves, seagrasses, macro-algae, coral reefs, and open-ocean micro-algae. Regional case studies for mangrove rehabilitation and pioneering research in Australia on micro-algae and open-ocean sequestration are also presented.
The world’s oceans contain about 90% of the global carbon budget. Nearly half of global primary productivity occurs in the open-ocean; this productivity has been achieved using only 0.05% of the earth’s biomass. Coastal and marine systems are efficient at the continuous storage of carbon, retaining it for centuries.
Co-benefits include coastal protection, fish nurseries, marine biodiversity, and improved water quality. Blue Carbon is therefore not only direct mitigation, but also a major contributor to the adaptation of changing climate, building a more resilient ecology and supporting long-term sustainability, including that of the major carbon-based industries.
Engineers are well equipped to lead this blue revolution while working with scientists and carbon professionals. This extended abstract highlights opportunities for fast-track implementation and the engineering challenges; it draws on case studies to show scaleable solutions for achieving climate and food security.
John is an environmental scientist with 21 years of practical experience in environmental management across three continents. He specialises in biological systems, sustainable resource management, and environmental assessment and planning. In 2007, he was appointed as managing director of ONC; he has been on the board of directors since 2004. He is leading the ONC charge to get oceans considered fully in the wider debates about international climate and food security policy. |
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