Study author and big wave surfer Scott Atkinson doing what he loves – Conservation International, released.
Today’s good news comes from the Good News Network.
Surfers On Board Climate Fight After Big Wave Areas Found to be Significant Carbon Stores
Nearly 90 million metric tons of planet-warming carbon have been found surrounding surf breaks worldwide, making these coastal locations essential climate allies and ideal locations for conservation efforts.
The news came from a groundbreaking study by conservationists examining forests, mangroves, and marshes around surf breaks—submerged features like rocks or reefs that create great surfing areas.
This is all the better for surfers themselves. Protecting these coastal ecosystems from development means more space and more waves for them.
Researchers analyzed more than 4,800 popular surf spots across 113 countries for the study. They found that immediately surrounding areas (within 0.6 miles or 1 kilometer of the waves) store over 88 million tons of irrecoverable carbon. That’s roughly equivalent to the annual emissions from 77 million gas-powered cars.
When the surrounding area is expanded to 3 kilometers or 1.8 miles, the amount of carbon stored in the ecosystem doubles to 191.7 million tons. According to the most up-to-date models, irrecoverable carbon refers to the carbon-rich lands humanity must protect to prevent the worst impacts of climate change.
“This research demonstrates the enormous role that protection of surf breaks and surrounding coastal areas can have in our global fight to reverse biodiversity loss and combat climate change,” said Scott Atkinson, a surfer, senior director of surf conservation at Conservation International, and an author of the study.
“Our study shows where we must now focus on legally protecting these areas. Surfers worldwide are fantastic allies for efforts like this—they love the ocean, know it is threatened, and are extremely motivated to protect it. They’ve been ‘on board,’ so to speak, helping to lead the establishment of all the Surf Protected Areas we’ve partnered to create.”
To date, Conservation International, which partners with surfers from the Save the Waves Coalition, has contributed to the establishment of 30 Surf-Protected Areas in Indonesia, Costa Rica, and Peru. These Areas are centered on surf breaks and seek to protect their larger surrounding ecosystems, including coastal forests, mangroves, beaches, seagrass, coral reefs, and the waves themselves.
Over half of these (23 Surf Protected Areas) have been established in Indonesia, which was used in the paper as a case study in creating an effective network of community-based protections. Collectively, the 23 locations form Indonesia’s initial Surf Protected Areas Network, covering more than 148,000 acres. This network can be expanded to hundreds of world-class surf sites across the incredibly biodiverse and carbon-rich country.
Atkinson also highlighted the positive impacts of the community-based Surf Protected Areas on Morotai Island in Indonesia, which is the focus of the paper’s case study.
“They protect precious marine and coastal ecosystems and strengthen community bonds and cultural heritage. Local people on Morotai have surfed on handmade wooden boards since at least World War II and have a strong surf culture,” he said.
“Additionally, local surf and conservation-related livelihoods are flourishing, with eco-friendly tourism and sustainable fishing practices becoming the norm. The community’s involvement in conservation efforts has fostered a sense of pride and ownership, showcasing the power of grassroots initiatives in achieving lasting environmental and social benefits.”
The good news in this story is that vital areas of conservation are being protected. Today’s JohnKu talks about the need for protection. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Protection by John W. Howell © 2024
Stewards of the Earth,
Need to advocate harder . . .
For sensitive spots.
Fiction Favorites 
Great that people are starting to pay attention.
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I think so too. Thanks, Craig. BTW I’m enjoying Once upon a Time in the Swamp. (Yeah I finally got there)
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That’s awesome. Have fun chasing revenge and take some deet with you.
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Brings a whole new meaning to the term Surf’s Up!
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Ha ha ha. That is does my man.
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😉
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😁
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I love it when a plan comes together!
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Especially when it means helping the environment.
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I’m amazed that someone considered to research this!
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And a surfer spreading the word.
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So much we still don’t know about this planet of ours!
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I agree. We are lucky nature has the ability to adapt to our foolishness.
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So true!!
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😊
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So cool.
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I agree.
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I love the term, ‘stewards of the earth.’ We truly are. Great encouraging post, John.
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Thank you, Jan. I was encouraged when I read it.
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Amazing data. Whatever led the scientists to do this?
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Probably as simple as someone looking at the waves and thinking “I wonder how much irrecoverable carbon is in there.”
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Not something I would have thought of!
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Me either.
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I would also say that “stewards of the earth” needs to be part of everyday communication.
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Good idea.
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Whatever can be done to help our earth heal, count us all in!
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Yup.
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Good news for sure, John:) Glad the surfers are speaking up for the amazing ocean and all the things it provides for us.
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I think it is in their best interests to do so. Thanks, Denise.
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It’s great that the surfers are doing something for the benefit of the planet.
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I agree, Tim.
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Another hopeful post, John. Thank you for brightening the day. 🌞
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Always glad to brighten a day, Gwen. 😊
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It’s so good to hear this kind of uplifting news every Friday, John — thanks for sharing it!
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My pleasure, Debbie.
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That is very interesting information as well as good news. Thank you for sharing it.
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Thank you, Thomas.
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Thank you for sharing this John. this is great news.. will share with my son!!!🫶🏽 he’s an avid surfer
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Thank you, Cindy.
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💙🩷
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😊
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It seems the strongest and most steadfast are those who have first-hand knowledge and the greatest interest in advocating for change or protection. Grassroots efforts are inspiring. Thanks for the feel-good share, John.
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I like your observation, Michele. It does take commitment and the knowledge to make substantial gains. I enjoy stories like this one. Thanks for you lovely comment.
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You’re very welcome and thank you for bringing these stories to our attention. I know it is important to be (somewhat) informed but my news watching time is nonexistent these days. I appreciate learning about the good things that are happening. 🙌🏻
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Hi John, this is all new information to me. Fascinating.
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I’m glad you liked it, Robbie. 😊
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Your JohnKu says it beautifully.
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Thank you, Jennie.
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You’re welcome, John.
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😊
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A great story that champions earth.
We are coming from behind, on these ecology issues. Battling off corporate hotel chains that see bottom line profit will be difficult. Often they lure in local government$.
The surfers are on the side of conservancy, hopefully.
You JohnKu says it. We need to work harder.
O🏄♀️ O🏄♀️ O🏄♀️
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I like your surf board emojis. Yes we need to work harder O🏄♀️ O🏄♀️ O🏄♀️ O🏄♀️
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A great discovery in ecology, and a great share John. 🙂
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It is Debby.
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