韩立民：积极探索开展海洋碳汇核算

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of marine carbon sinks, also known as "blue carbon," in carbon accounting and management, highlighting their potential to contribute to climate change mitigation and promote high-quality marine economic development [1][2]. Group 1: Importance of Marine Carbon Sinks - Marine carbon sinks, which include ecosystems like mangroves, salt marshes, seagrass beds, and human activities such as algae and shellfish farming, have a carbon removal capacity that surpasses terrestrial ecosystems [1]. - Conducting marine carbon sink accounting is crucial for supporting carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals, providing quantitative support for carbon asset management, carbon trading systems, and ecological compensation mechanisms [1][2]. Group 2: Progress in Marine Carbon Sink Accounting - Significant progress has been made in marine carbon sink accounting in China, including the gradual improvement of the policy framework and the establishment of standards such as the "Marine Carbon Sink Accounting Method" [2]. - Local governments have begun to develop regional guidelines and technical regulations for marine carbon sink accounting, with notable initiatives in places like Shenzhen and Hebei [2]. Group 3: Challenges in Marine Carbon Sink Accounting - Existing challenges include an incomplete accounting system, weak technical foundations, and an underdeveloped market mechanism, leading to potential underestimation of carbon sink capacity [3]. - There is a lack of comprehensive and high-precision monitoring systems for marine carbon flux, and key processes such as microbial carbon pumps and shellfish farming carbon sequestration mechanisms require further research [3]. Group 4: Recommendations for Improvement - The article suggests that establishing robust national accounting standards, enhancing technological support, and promoting market and financial innovations are essential for developing a comprehensive marine carbon sink industry chain [4]. - It advocates for the integration of marine carbon sinks into the national carbon trading market and the establishment of special funds to incentivize participation in blue carbon projects [4].