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

Feb 23, 2026, 2:43 AM

Climate Change Economy Research Innovation

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

Hover over text to view sources

A groundbreaking study by researchers at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego has revealed that factoring in climate-related damages to the ocean nearly doubles the social cost of carbon. This new measurement, known as the "blue" social cost of carbon, significantly alters the economic calculations associated with greenhouse gas emissions, raising the total cost from $51 to $97.2 per ton of CO2 emitted.

For decades, the economic impact of climate change has been predominantly calculated based on terrestrial factors, leaving oceanic damages largely unaccounted for. This oversight has led to a substantial underestimation of the true cost of carbon emissions, especially as ocean health continues to decline due to warming temperatures, acidification, and other climate-related stresses.

The study, published in Nature Climate Change, highlights that without assigning a monetary value to these ocean impacts, the consequences of climate change remain invisible to policymakers and decision-makers. Bernardo Bastien-Olvera, the study's lead author, emphasized the importance of this research, stating, "If we don't put a price tag on the harm that climate change causes to the ocean, it will be invisible to key decision makers".

By incorporating various economic factors, the researchers assessed both market and non-market damages resulting from climate change. They calculated losses from fisheries, trade disruptions, and health impacts stemming from diminished seafood nutrition, which are particularly crucial for lower-income and island nations heavily reliant on marine resources.

The total additional cost associated with ocean impacts was determined to be $46.2 per ton of CO2, contributing to an estimated $2 trillion in ocean-related damages for a year with global emissions projected at 41.6 billion tons in 2024. The study also noted that the largest costs to society would result from market damages, totaling approximately $1.66 trillion annually by 2100, while non-use values derived from the enjoyment of marine ecosystems were estimated at $224 billion.

The findings reveal a stark disparity in how these damages are distributed globally. Small island economies and regions with high dependence on marine ecosystems face disproportionately severe impacts, exacerbating existing inequalities. As fish stocks decline due to climate change, these regions may see increased health risks and mortality linked to reduced nutrition from seafood sources.

The study's framework provides a new tool for environmental decision-makers, particularly in cost-benefit analyses used by government agencies and private sectors for policy design and financial planning. Kate Ricke, a co-author of the study, noted the importance of recognizing the ocean's value in economic assessments, stating, "The blue social cost of carbon is a new framework to recognize these values".

This research underscores the critical need to integrate ocean health into climate policy and economic modeling, as neglecting these factors may lead to insufficient responses to climate change. By reevaluating the social cost of carbon to include ocean impacts, the study advocates for a more comprehensive understanding of climate change's true economic costs, urging policymakers to reconsider current carbon pricing and emissions reduction strategies.

In conclusion, the study from Scripps is a pivotal step in reassessing the economic implications of climate change by highlighting the significant role oceans play in global ecosystems and human welfare. As the call for more robust climate action grows louder, incorporating ocean-related damages into economic frameworks may be crucial in shaping effective and equitable climate policies for the future.

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.

Enhancing Resilience of Chinese Farmers to Climate Change

Chinese farmers face significant challenges due to climate change, including extreme weather and food insecurity. To enhance their resilience, strategies such as improving irrigation systems, adopting climate-resilient crops, and fostering local agricultural practices are essential. These measures aim to ensure sustainable agricultural development and food security.

Building Material Stock Drives Embodied Carbon Emissions in China

China's rapid urbanization has led to a significant increase in building material stocks, which are now major contributors to the country's carbon emissions. This article explores the implications of these emissions for China's climate goals and the need for sustainable urban planning and material management.