What is Teal carbon?

Teal carbon refers to the carbon stored in aquatic ecosystems, particularly in freshwater bodies such as lakes, rivers, wetlands, and streams. It complements other types of carbon storage such as:

• Blue carbon: Found in marine and coastal ecosystems like mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses.
• Green carbon: Stored in terrestrial ecosystems, primarily forests and grasslands.

Key Points about Teal Carbon:

1. Carbon Sequestration: Aquatic ecosystems can capture and store carbon from the atmosphere, thereby helping mitigate climate change.
2. Sources of Carbon: Organic matter such as dead plant material and soil erosion that enters freshwater bodies plays a significant role in carbon cycling.
3. Threats: Teal carbon reserves are under threat from pollution, damming of rivers, land use changes, and climate change, which can cause the release of stored carbon into the atmosphere.
4. Importance: The recognition of teal carbon emphasizes the broader role of all aquatic ecosystems in the global carbon cycle, not just marine ones.