Seagrass Maps Reveal Ocean’s Hidden Carbon Sinks

Scientists have created the first global, high-resolution map of seagrass meadows. These underwater plants are critical for fighting climate change. They absorb carbon dioxide up to 35 times faster than tropical rainforests. The new maps show that previous estimates of seagrass coverage were too low. This means the ocean’s ability to store carbon is larger than thought. The data will help governments protect these vital ecosystems from trawling and coastal development. Conservation groups can now target specific areas for restoration. The maps are publicly available to guide policy and funding decisions.