logo
ResearchBunny Logo
Mapping the Irrecoverable Carbon in Earth's Ecosystems

Environmental Studies and Forestry

Mapping the Irrecoverable Carbon in Earth's Ecosystems

M. L. Noon, A. Goldstein, et al.

To combat catastrophic climate change, our research illuminates the concept of 'irrecoverable carbon' - vital ecosystem carbon that, if lost, is irretrievable by mid-century. This urgent study, conducted by a team from Conservation International and other esteemed organizations, highlights areas in dire need of protection and proactive conservation strategies.

00:00
00:00
Playback language: English
Abstract
Avoiding catastrophic climate change necessitates rapid decarbonization and enhanced ecosystem stewardship globally. This paper maps 'irrecoverable carbon'—ecosystem carbon that, if lost, cannot be recovered by mid-century—to identify areas needing prioritized protection and management. Significant irrecoverable carbon loss has already occurred due to agriculture, logging, and wildfires. The remaining reserves face ongoing threats, emphasizing the need for proactive conservation strategies. A substantial portion of irrecoverable carbon is currently within protected areas or managed by Indigenous peoples and local communities, highlighting opportunities for targeted conservation efforts.
Publisher
Nature Sustainability
Published On
Nov 18, 2021
Authors
Monica L. Noon, Allie Goldstein, Juan Carlos Ledezma, Patrick R. Roehrdanz, Susan C. Cook-Patton, Seth A. Spawn-Lee, Timothy Maxwell Wright, Mariano Gonzalez-Roglich, David G. Hole, Johan Rockström, Will R. Turner
Tags
climate change
decarbonization
ecosystem stewardship
irrecoverable carbon
conservation

Related Publications

Explore these studies to deepen your understanding of the subject.

Continuous increase in evaporative demand shortened the growing season of European ecosystems in the last decade
Earth Sciences

Continuous increase in evaporative demand shortened the growing season of European ecosystems in the last decade

M. Rahmati, A. Graf, et al.

Cultures in the laboratory: mapping similarities and differences between Māori and non-Māori in engaging with gene-editing technologies in Aotearoa, New Zealand
Interdisciplinary Studies

Cultures in the laboratory: mapping similarities and differences between Māori and non-Māori in engaging with gene-editing technologies in Aotearoa, New Zealand

L. Kathlene, D. Munshi, et al.

Plant diversity drives positive microbial associations in the rhizosphere enhancing carbon use efficiency in agricultural soils
Agriculture

Plant diversity drives positive microbial associations in the rhizosphere enhancing carbon use efficiency in agricultural soils

L. A. Domeignoz-horta, S. L. Cappelli, et al.

Salp blooms drive strong increases in passive carbon export in the Southern Ocean
Biology

Salp blooms drive strong increases in passive carbon export in the Southern Ocean

M. Décima, M. R. Stukel, et al.

Listen, Learn & Level Up
Over 10,000 hours of research content in 25+ fields, available in 12+ languages.
No more digging through PDFs, just hit play and absorb the world's latest research in your language, on your time.
listen to research audio papers with researchbunny