Incorporating Ocean Impacts Nearly Doubles Social Cost of Carbon

Feb 1, 2026, 2:42 AM

Climate Change Economy Research Innovation

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A new study conducted by researchers at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego has revealed that including damages to the ocean in economic assessments nearly doubles the social cost of carbon emissions. This calculation is a vital measure of the economic harm caused by greenhouse gas emissions, which is now being referred to as the "blue" social cost of carbon.

Historically, the ocean was significantly overlooked in social cost of carbon calculations, despite its crucial role in supporting global ecosystems and economies. The study finds that the global cost of carbon dioxide emissions rises from $51 to $97.2 per ton of CO2 emitted when ocean impacts are considered, reflecting a staggering 91% increase.

The researchers estimate that the ocean-related damages could amount to nearly $2 trillion annually, a figure that highlights the economic losses stemming from degradation of coral reefs, fisheries, and coastal infrastructure. Environmental economist Bernardo Bastien-Olvera, who led the study, emphasized the importance of quantifying these damages to inform policymakers. "Without a price tag on the harm that climate change causes to the ocean, these impacts remain invisible to decision makers," he stated.

The study integrated a variety of data, capturing both market and non-market values associated with ocean ecosystems. Market values included losses from fisheries and trade, while non-market values encompassed health impacts from reduced nutrition availability and the intrinsic enjoyment derived from biodiversity.

In their economic model, researchers calculated that when ocean impacts are factored in, the social cost of carbon climbs by an additional $46.2 per ton. Given that global CO2 emissions were projected at 41.6 billion tons in 2024, the ocean-related damages represent a significant cost that is currently absent from standard climate assessments.

The findings underscore an urgent need for policy adjustments. The data suggests that countries currently utilizing carbon prices around €70-80 per ton are substantially underestimating the true cost of carbon emissions when ocean damages are excluded. This discrepancy calls for a reevaluation of climate policies to better reflect the economic realities of oceanic impacts.

One of the salient findings of the study is the unequal distribution of these ocean-related impacts, particularly affecting small island nations and coastal communities that rely heavily on seafood for nutrition. These regions are expected to suffer disproportionately from the effects of climate change, including increased health risks linked to declines in fish stocks and nutrient availability.

The researchers also noted that the ocean's degradation would exacerbate existing inequalities, as the most vulnerable populations are often the least responsible for the climate crisis. The study's authors argue that recognizing the economic value of ocean ecosystems can help inform better decision-making and policy design, particularly in regions where marine resources are pivotal to survival and economic stability.

The blue social cost of carbon framework is seen as a significant advancement in climate economics, allowing for a more comprehensive assessment of climate change's impacts. It highlights the essential connection between marine health and human welfare, emphasizing that the ocean's degradation is not merely an environmental issue but a critical economic concern.

Bastien-Olvera believes that this new approach will encourage further investment in ocean conservation and restoration efforts, which can mitigate climate impacts and support vulnerable communities. By placing a monetary value on ocean health, the study aims to enhance the visibility of these critical ecosystems in discussions surrounding climate action and policy formulation.

As climate change poses escalating risks to marine ecosystems, the integration of ocean impacts into the social cost of carbon could serve as a powerful tool for environmental decision-makers and economists alike, fostering a more sustainable approach to addressing the climate crisis.

The study has been published in the journal Nature Climate Change and represents a collaborative effort among various experts in climate science, economics, and marine biology. Its findings could pave the way for a more nuanced understanding of the economic ramifications of climate change, especially regarding the ocean's vital role in global health and sustainability.

Ocean Impacts Nearly Double the Social Cost of Carbon, Study Reveals

A new study from Scripps Institution of Oceanography reveals that accounting for ocean-related damages nearly doubles the social cost of carbon, raising it from $51 to $97.2 per ton of CO2. The findings highlight the urgent need to integrate marine ecosystem impacts into climate policy and economic assessments.

New Study Nearly Doubles Social Cost of Carbon by Including Ocean Impacts

A groundbreaking study from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography reveals that factoring in ocean damages nearly doubles the social cost of carbon, increasing it from $51 to $97.2 per ton. This new 'blue' social cost of carbon highlights significant economic losses tied to climate change, particularly affecting island nations and coastal communities.

Ocean Impacts Nearly Double Social Cost of Carbon

A new study reveals that including ocean damage in the social cost of carbon nearly doubles its economic impact, raising the cost from $51 to $97.2 per ton of CO2. This significant increase highlights the urgent need to account for marine ecosystem degradation in climate policy.

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