Global distribution, quantification and valuation of the biological carbon pump

Abstract

The biological carbon pump (BCP) sequesters vast amounts of carbon in the ocean, but its importance for conservation, climate finance and international policy has not been properly assessed. Here, using spatial analysis and financial valuation of the BCP service, we estimate that, annually, the BCP adds 2.81 GtC (range 2.44–3.53 GtC) to the ocean with a storage time of at least 50 years (±25 years). This ecosystem service is worth US$545 billion per year (US$471–694 billion) in areas beyond national jurisdiction and US$383 billion per year (US$336–471 billion) within all exclusive economic zones, where the sum of its discounted values for 2023–2030 is US$2.2 trillion (range US$1.9–2.7 trillion). These results quantify the climate and economic importance of the BCP and the important role of large ocean states in carbon sequestration. These findings can support discussions in climate finance and in the COP global stocktake for climate action.