During COP29, the 1.5℃ Talk Youth Open Mic event was held at the Global Alliance of Universities on Climate (GAUC) Pavilion, to co-hosted by Green Finance 60 Forum (GF60) and Blue Pioneer Partners (BPP). This event provided a platform for young climate leaders to exchange ideas and discuss innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
Among the speakers were Zhuolun Wang, Ai Li, and Ziqi Jia, brought together by the Blue Pioneer Program. They shared insights on the critical role of young professionals and social organizations in establishing blue carbon markets and fighting climate change. Blue carbon refers to carbon captured and stored by marine and coastal ecosystems like seagrass beds, mangroves, and salt marshes, which serve as natural carbon sinks to absorb and store CO2 mitigating climate change. They emphasized the potential of integrating financial mechanisms with ecological restoration to bridge economic development with environmental sustainability, aligning with China’s and global goals of carbon peak and carbon neutrality.
Empowering Youth and Cross-Sector Collaboration
Wang Zhuolun, Executive Director of China Development Brief, shared his experience in Blue Pioneer Program (BPP), emphasizing the need for collective efforts across society to achieve environmental sustainability, not solely relying on climate professionals. “Our goal is to involve more social organizations beyond the traditional climate sector in tackling climate change and marine conservation,” he stated. Many organizations, though not focused on environmental protection, excel in community development, social innovation, and sustainability. By fostering cross-sector collaboration, providing training, and enabling resource-sharing, these organizations can become key players in blue carbon conservation. Wang stressed the importance of sustained knowledge-sharing and capacity-building to encourage broader participation and create a resilient ecological protection network.
Local Conservation and Grassroots Action
Li Ai, Director of the Tianjin Hexie Social Work Service Center, highlighted the ecological significance of Tianjin’s Binhai New Area, featuring 153 kilometers of coastline and 3,000 square kilometers of marine territory rich in wetlands and tidal flats. These ecosystems play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, marine biodiversity, and coastal protection. “Even individuals can contribute to sustainability,” she remarked, encouraging active participation in wetland cleanups, migratory bird rescues, and advocacy efforts. She called for stronger grassroots engagement to translate ecological awareness into concrete conservation actions.
Seagrass Beds: A Key Opportunity for Blue Carbon Markets
Jia Ziqi, Project Officer at the Blue-Ribbon Ocean Conservation Association, highlighted seagrass beds as vital components of the blue carbon ecosystem. These beds not only absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis but also capture and store large amounts of carbon in marine sediments. However, rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and extreme weather threaten their survival. Globally, seagrass beds have declined by 7% annually since 1990, with nearly one-third already lost. China’s seagrass ecosystems have also suffered significant degradation.
Jia emphasized the untapped potential of seagrass beds within the blue carbon market. ” Integrating ecological restoration and carbon trading presents new opportunities for seagrass bed conservation,” she explained. By scientifically assessing their carbon sequestration capacity and incorporating these findings into policy frameworks and carbon trading markets, economic incentives can attract investment in conservation efforts. “Our goal is to develop a sustainable model where ecological restoration not only supports global climate goals but also drives economic growth,” Jia stated.
The Future of Blue Carbon: Science, Policy, and Participation
With the expansion of carbon trading markets and increasing social engagement, blue carbon conservation — especially seagrass bed protection — is at a pivotal juncture. Leveraging scientific research to quantify carbon sequestration, integrating findings into policy decisions, and encouraging broad participation from communities, businesses, and governments can transform blue carbon initiatives into a crucial pathway toward carbon neutrality. As these efforts gain momentum, they will play an increasingly vital role in global climate governance and sustainable development.
