Ocean Impacts Nearly Double Social Cost of Carbon, Study Reveals

Mar 9, 2026, 2:59 AM

Climate Change Economy Research Innovation

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A recent study conducted by researchers at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography has unveiled that accounting for climate change damages to the ocean significantly increases the social cost of carbon, nearly doubling its previous estimates. The research introduces a new metric, termed the "blue" social cost of carbon, which quantifies the economic damages caused by climate impacts on marine ecosystems and ocean-dependent infrastructure, resulting in an additional cost of $46.2 per tonne of CO₂. This elevates the overall social cost of carbon to $97.2 per tonne, marking a 91% increase from earlier assessments.

The social cost of carbon is a crucial economic indicator that estimates the monetary value of damages incurred by each additional tonne of CO₂ emitted. Historically, this metric has largely neglected the ocean's role in climate change impacts, despite the well-documented degradation of coral reefs, declining fish stocks, and damage to coastal infrastructure that affects millions globally.

The findings of this study are particularly relevant as governments and industries reassess the real cost of carbon pollution, which has profound implications for climate policy and carbon pricing. Traditionally, the ocean has been excluded from economic models, leading to an underestimation of the damages associated with greenhouse gas emissions. The inclusion of ocean impacts reveals the extensive economic and welfare costs that have been obscured until now.

The Importance of the Ocean in Climate Economics

The ocean, which covers over 70% of the Earth's surface, provides essential economic and social benefits, including food supply, trade, coastal protection, and cultural values. The study synthesizes a wide range of biophysical and economic data to translate climate impacts into monetary values, encompassing both market and non-market losses. For instance, health impacts linked to fisheries account for nearly half of the ocean-related climate damages, particularly affecting lower-income and island nations that rely heavily on fish as a primary protein source.

Coral reefs, another critical component of marine ecosystems, also emerge as significant contributors to economic losses. These ecosystems, highly sensitive to climate change, offer ecosystem services worth substantial sums, which include tourism and biodiversity benefits. The study underscores that the degradation of such environments not only results in financial losses but also impacts human wellbeing in ways that are difficult to quantify monetarily.

Disparity in Economic Impact

The distribution of ocean-related damages is uneven across the globe, disproportionately affecting nations that depend heavily on marine resources. In some cases, ocean damages can account for 20-30% of total climate-related welfare losses, exacerbating existing inequalities among countries. The study highlights that small island states and lower-income nations face the steepest challenges from climate-driven ocean impacts, which could lead to increased poverty and health risks due to declining fish stocks and nutrient availability in seafood.

The research team, led by environmental economist Bernardo Bastien-Olvera, emphasizes the necessity of integrating ocean impacts into climate-economic models to provide a more accurate assessment of the social cost of carbon. This integration can facilitate better decision-making in climate policy, as it offers a clearer picture of the long-term economic implications of carbon emissions on both humans and marine ecosystems.

Conclusion

The study, published in Nature Climate Change, marks a significant advancement in how climate change is evaluated economically. By factoring in the ocean's contributions and the impacts of its degradation, researchers provide a more comprehensive understanding of the social cost of carbon. The findings advocate for a transformative shift in policy frameworks, suggesting that higher carbon prices may be justified to reflect the true costs associated with climate change, particularly those arising from ocean impacts. Policymakers are urged to recognize the intricate relationship between marine ecosystems and human welfare, as the loss of these environments represents not just an ecological crisis, but a profound economic and social challenge that demands urgent attention.

Accounting for Ocean Impacts Nearly Doubles Social Cost of Carbon

A recent study reveals that integrating ocean damage into the social cost of carbon nearly doubles the estimated economic harm from carbon emissions. This 'blue' social cost of carbon accounts for significant losses to marine ecosystems and infrastructure, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive climate policy.

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.

Incorporating Ocean Impacts Nearly Doubles Social Cost of Carbon

A groundbreaking study reveals that accounting for ocean damage in climate economic models nearly doubles the social cost of carbon emissions from $51 to $97.2 per ton. This increase highlights the significant economic damages caused by climate change on marine ecosystems, emphasizing the need for revised climate policies.

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.