Join us for a seminar by Dr Ben Miliigan, entitled 'Protecting Coastal Carbon Sinks with Existing International Policy Frameworks'. The talk will explore some policy implications of recent science concerning carbon sequestered by marine and coastal ecosystems.

Ben is a Senior Research Associate at the Centre for Law and Environment, University College London. His work focusses on environmental policy, marine and coastal resources management, and transnational environmental law. Particular interests include: management and regulation of ecosystem services; natural capital accounting; nature-based climate change mitigation and adaptation; and offshore infrastructure planning. Ben is the lead author of 2014 World Summit of Legislators Study on Natural Capital Accounting, and is currently coordinating an international partnership to identify policy options for managing and developing healthy marine and coastal ecosystems as economic assets.

Abstract:

Coastal marine ecosystems (in particular mangroves, salt-marshes and sea-grass beds in tropical and sub-tropical regions) are significant carbon sinks. Recent studies have estimated that they account for ~47% of total CO2 sequestration in ocean sediments, and currently sequester more CO2 than terrestrial vegetation despite having <1% of terrestrial biomass. These ecosystems are being degraded, or converted for other uses, at a rapid rate. Between 0.15–1.02 Pg of CO2 per year is released into the atmosphere by the degradation and conversion of coastal carbon sinks. These emissions are equivalent to 3–19% of those from deforestation globally. Several frameworks have been established at international level to coordinate and develop policy responses to climate change, or environmental conservation and management more generally. These policy frameworks were established before the significant climate mitigation function of marine coastal ecosystems was clearly understood. I will assess the extent to which design features of relevant international policy frameworks, in their current form, provide a coherent basis for protection and management of coastal carbon sinks. 

Date: Wednesday, 10 September 0214


Time: 1- 2 pm


Venue: Studio 5, Environmental and Geographical Sciences Building, Upper Campus, UCT