Blue carbon sink function and carbon neutrality potential of mangroves

Abstract

Mangroves are widely distributed in the upper part of tropical and subtropical intertidal zones, with the characteristics of high productivity and fast deposition rate. Under the combined action of its own growth and microorganisms, mangroves capture, transform and store CO₂ in the atmosphere into coastal sediment for a long time, and export some organic carbon from the coastal zone to the offshore and ocean, which is of great significance to prevent coastal erosion and organic carbon burial. In recent years, with the worldwide problems caused by global warming, the concept of carbon neutrality has been widely proposed. Mangroves have attracted extensive attention due to their role in regulating the global carbon cycle. This viewpoint discusses the importance of mangroves to human beings, their role in carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling, their ability to capture CO₂, and their carbon sequestration functions and mechanisms, aiming to provide reference for the protection and rational utilization of mangrove resources.

Keywords: Blue carbon sink; Carbon neutrality; Carbon sequestration; Global warming; Mangrove.