Today I Learned: The Surprising Role of Philippine Seas in Fighting Climate Change

Carbon dioxide is a vital resource for life on Earth, specifically for photosynthesis of plants and for keeping the planet from freezing. But, as we know, too much of anything is bad. And the current amount of carbon dioxide in the air is heating up our planet to the point of unprecedented climate changes.

This extra amount of carbon dioxide started rising after the Industrial Revolution (1760-1840), a time when there was an increase in the use of fossil fuels to power machines. As we burn more coal, oil, and fuel to generate electricity for factories, cars, transportation, residences, etc., more carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide are released into the air. We know from high school environmental science that these are powerful greenhouse gases, and we're basically putting Earth inside a huge greenhouse that traps the sun's heat.

Fortunately, the Earth's surface is covered by 71 percent of ocean, which generates 50 percent oxygen, absorbs 25 percent carbon dioxide, and captures 90 percent of excess heat generated by these emissions (according to the United Nations). We have the phytoplanktons in the waters to thank for, as these microscopic marine algae create organic compounds from the carbon dioxide dissolved in the oceans. These compounds serve as essential food for other marine life.

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New Study: The Biological Carbon Pump’s Multi-Trillion-Dollar Role in Climate Mitigation

A new study led by an international team of scientists from the World Maritime University, IRD in France, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), and the Gulf of Maine Research Institute and Blue Green Future in the U.S. reveals that the natural processes happening in the ocean (known as biological carbon pump or BCP) sequester approximately 2.8 billion tons of carbon annually, with a storage time of at least 50 years. For context, global emissions from fossil fuels have reached 36.6 billion tons in 2023.

The research, titled "Global distribution, quantification, and valuation of the biological carbon pump," estimated that the carbon storage provided by this ecosystem service is worth $545 billion per year in international waters and $383 billion per year within national Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), with the total value projected to exceed $2.2 trillion by 2030.

The study was published in Nature Climate Change vol. 15 in March 2025.

Philippine Seas' Key Role

The findings of Berzaghi et al. also said that 50-year carbon sequestration rates are highest in the tropics, making the Philippines and the broader Coral Triangle region potentially significant in this global picture.

Up to 27 percent of carbon sequestration also happens in Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs). The EBSAs are special areas in the ocean that serve important purposes, in one way or another, to support the healthy functioning of oceans and the many services that they provide. Currently, there are three EBSAs in the Philippines, as identified by the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 10): Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion, Benham Rise, and Intertidal Areas of East Asian Shallow Seas.

In addition, up to seven percent of sequestration occurs in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). A marine protected area (MPA) is defined as any area of sea especially dedicated to the protection and maintenance of biological diversity. The Philippines has more than 2,500 MPAs, making it the country with the most marine reserves.

Unfortunately, for a country surrounded by so much water, people (especially those in power) tend to forget how important this natural resource actually is.

"The global report highlights the vital role of the ocean’s biological carbon pump in mitigating climate change—an urgent priority for the Philippines as we advance our commitments to climate resilience and marine biodiversity protection. As a pioneer in establishing marine protected areas in the Coral Triangle, with over 2,000 MPAs, safeguarding key habitats, and integrating the blue economy into our development strategy, the Philippines recognizes that protecting marine ecosystems is both an environmental necessity and an economic opportunity. Strengthening protections and aligning ocean-based carbon storage with national and global frameworks will be key to enhancing climate adaptation while fostering sustainable economic growth," Dr. Charina Lyn Amedo-Repollo, Assistant Professor and Physical Oceanographer at the Marine Science Institute - University of the Philippines Diliman, said in a press statement.

Philippines Falling Behind in Pledges

A Climate Analytics report released on April 8, 2025, looked at how eight Asian countries are progressing with their COP pledges in terms of four initiatives: The Global Coal to Clean Power Transition Statement (COP26, 2021), The Energy Transition Council (COP26), The Global Pledge on Renewables and Energy Efficiency (signed at COP28 in Dubai), and The Global Methane Pledge (COP26).

The first initiative was partially endorsed by the Philippines, while the other three were fully endorsed. Despite this, overall findings suggest that we are falling behind in our commitment.

For one, the country has not increased its share of renewables in its power source between 2015 to 2023, with regulatory barriers and finances seen as main causes. Second, instead of making our way towards the committed 30% reduction of methane by 2030, the Philippines is seeing a rise in waste methane output due to expanded coal mining. This brings us to the third point, as the nation remains highly dependent on coal for electricity, seeing a 60% use of coal in 2023. Finally, as many countries are expanding fossil gas infrastructure, the Philippines is at risk of long-term fossil fuel lock-in, undermining the committed pledge to clean power.

Gerry Arances, Executive Director at the Center for Energy, Ecology and Development (CEED), said in a statement: "Many Southeast Asian countries stood behind these climate pledges yet are still backing plans for increased dependence on coal and gas. But the rapid and ambitious energy transition that the pledges seek to contribute to is, in fact, already clearly feasible in the region - with plans for nearly 400 GW of renewables underway by the end of 2024. These next few years are a critical time for governments to show the political will and leadership to unlock this massive clean energy potential and displace fossil fuels for good, in line with the 1.5°C Paris goal. Civic movements and vulnerable communities throughout Asia will not tire in ensuring that they deliver this."