In the quiet depths of the world’s oceans and along the sprawling coastal ecosystems lies a remarkable, yet often overlooked, ally in the fight against climate change. This natural wonder, coined as “blue carbon,” is the term introduced by Carlos M Duarte, an internationally acclaimed marine scientist whose pioneering research has forever reshaped our understanding of how marine environments store carbon. The 2025 Japan Prize, a globally prestigious award second only to the Nobel, recently honored Duarte’s groundbreaking work, a testament to the profound impact of his contributions to marine ecology and climate science.
Blue carbon refers to the carbon captured and sequestered by coastal and marine ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes. Though these habitats cover a mere fraction of the ocean floor, approximately 0.2%, they remarkably store nearly half of all the carbon buried annually in marine sediments worldwide. This realization, brought to light by Duarte’s research, shifted the global narrative on climate mitigation, emphasizing the need to protect and restore these vital ecosystems as powerful, natural climate solutions.
The journey of blue carbon science began during a time when climate change discourse was heavily focused on terrestrial forests and their role in carbon capture. For decades, the spotlight was on land-based carbon sinks, and the vast blue expanses of the ocean margins remained largely neglected in policy and research. Duarte’s insightful studies challenged this limited perspective by revealing how coastal ecosystems are extraordinary carbon vaults. Unlike terrestrial forests vulnerable to wildfires, these underwater carbon stores benefit from an oxygen-poor environment that drastically slows down microbial decomposition, securing carbon safely for millennia. It is a fascinating natural mechanism that underscores why preserving these habitats is critical for long-term climate stability.
Beyond the ecological and scientific breakthroughs, Duarte’s work embodies the power of international collaboration and university-led research networks. Operating primarily from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, Duarte’s partnerships with global conservation groups and local governments have fostered innovative approaches to ecosystem restoration. The Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea serve as living laboratories where new genomic insights into mangroves and seagrasses are constantly evolving, pushing the frontiers of blue carbon science.
The real-world implications of blue carbon preservation resonate vividly in places like Southeast Asia, home to some of the largest mangrove forests and seagrass meadows. Countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines face significant environmental challenges as mangrove degradation accelerates due to urban development and aquaculture. Yet, the importance of mangroves transcends their role as carbon sinks. During the devastating 2004 Asian tsunami, mangrove forests acted as natural barriers, absorbing wave energy and saving countless lives. This intersection of climate mitigation and human safety highlights the multifaceted value of coastal ecosystems.
The adoption of blue carbon concepts by Southeast Asian nations soon followed Duarte’s 2009 report commissioned by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This report was a critical milestone, elevating blue carbon to an international climate strategy alongside the well-known green carbon of terrestrial plants. The urgency to protect these ecosystems was no longer solely a matter of climate but also of safeguarding coastal communities from natural disasters.
Duarte’s vision also extends into the emerging realm of the blue economy — a regenerative economic model that balances environmental conservation with sustainable development. Saudi Arabia’s collaborative initiatives with Indonesia, through institutions like the Blue Institute, represent ambitious efforts to transform coastal and marine natural assets into economic opportunities that do not compromise ecological integrity. This innovative approach envisions economic growth aligned with the preservation of blue carbon habitats, marrying science with socio-economic progress.
What makes Duarte’s work particularly inspiring is how it bridges cutting-edge science with policy and community engagement. It serves as a beacon for universities worldwide, showing that with strategic funding and strong international research networks, academia can be a formidable force in addressing planetary challenges. His achievements remind us that effective climate action demands a multifaceted understanding of ecosystems — one that appreciates the complexity and interconnectedness of life on Earth.
Amid growing global concern over climate change, Duarte’s blue carbon legacy encourages us to look beneath the surface of traditional solutions. It invites policymakers, scientists, and the public alike to rethink the role of the oceans not just as sources of biodiversity and livelihoods but as indispensable allies in the global climate system. Protecting these underwater forests requires urgent attention and investment, not only to sustain the carbon they store but also to preserve the myriad benefits they provide to humanity.
The Japan Prize’s recognition of Duarte is a milestone celebrating visionary science that transcends disciplinary boundaries and geographic borders. It is a call to action to protect the precious blue carbon ecosystems before they are irreversibly lost. As our climate crisis intensifies, the lessons from Duarte’s pioneering work serve as a reminder that nature-based solutions, grounded in rigorous research and collaborative spirit, offer hope for a sustainable and resilient future. 🌊🌿🌍