Implications of improved remote sensing capabilities on blue carbon quantification

Important developments in remote sensing capabilities allow for improved accuracy in the mapping of ecosystems. Higher spatial resolution imagery enables more precise classification of land use and land cover categories, which therefore changes our characterization of mapped land- and seascapes. These changes impact how we visualize these ecosystems, and how we quantify their ecosystem services and benefits to people. Here we examine how recent mapping advances influence the quantification of blue carbon for climate change regulation in mangrove ecosystems, using site, national, and global scale calculations. Overall, we found that higher resolution imagery was associated with a reduction in mangrove cover, and hence lower carbon stock estimates. It is important that these nuances are adopted and calibrated within the accounting of blue carbon, and ecosystem services more broadly, so that they do not undermine important initiatives designed to conserve and protect these critical ecosystems, such as Nationally Determined Contributions. • Remote sensing and spatial resolution improvements alter ecosystem classification. • As Mapping resolution increases, mangrove cover and carbon stock estimates decrease. • Our results can impact Nationally Determined Contributions accounting and reporting.