Mapping mangrove deforestation and blue carbon loss in global supply chains between 2000 and 2019

Abstract

Human activity is the leading cause of mangrove deforestation and associated blue carbon loss. However, the linkages between global supply chains and regional mangrove carbon loss remain unclear. Here, we quantified the blue carbon footprint from mangrove deforestation embodied in global supply chains during 2000–2019 by integrating high-resolution mangrove change data, land-use maps, and a global multi-regional input-output model. We find that 235.69 Tg CO<inf>2</inf>-equivalent (CO<inf>2</inf>e) of mangrove carbon was lost due to anthropogenic activities, with ∼70% driven by domestic demands in Southeast Asia and 19% by international consumption, particularly in China, Europe, and North America. Over 40% of blue carbon loss was embedded in downstream products (e.g., processed foods, manufactured goods, and services). While international trade-driven losses were primarily associated with non-agricultural demands, local consumption was more related to primary food consumption. Our findings highlight critical consumption-emission linkages and support global efforts to mitigate mangrove carbon loss through sustainable supply chain management.