Blue carbon, the carbon captured and stored by marine ecosystems, has attracted growing attention as a strategy for mitigating climate change. But how are its mechanisms, benefits, and challenges communicated to the public? In this study, we analyzed 29 television programs and 26 newspaper articles in Japan and evaluated their coverage from the perspective of blue carbon experts. While many reports emphasized the potential benefits of blue carbon, fewer explained its scientific mechanisms, challenges, or uncertainties. Our findings highlight the importance of collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and media professionals to ensure accurate and balanced science communication.
Researchers from the Research Center
Taichi Masu (Harris Science Research Institute), Yasuhito Abe (Faculty of Social Studies)
Research Background
In recent years, blue carbon—carbon captured and stored by marine ecosystems such as seagrass beds, salt marshes, and mangroves—has gained global attention as a promising climate change mitigation strategy.
As a maritime nation with an extensive coastline, Japan has significant potential for blue carbon initiatives. To support informed discussions on marine policy and environmental conservation, it is important that the public develops an accurate understanding of the concept. This study therefore examined how blue carbon is communicated through major Japanese television and newspaper coverage.
Research Overview
The study analyzed 29 television programs and 26 newspaper articles published between March 2023 and August 2024.
With the cooperation of leading blue carbon researchers, we developed five evaluation criteria and assessed whether media coverage:
- Explained the scientific mechanisms of blue carbon.
- Described the decline of coastal vegetation and its causes.
- Introduced real-world examples of marine ecosystems.
- Presented quantitative evidence and numerical data.
- Discussed potential challenges, risks, or limitations.
Using these criteria, we conducted a systematic content analysis of how blue carbon was presented in Japanese mass media.
Key Findings
Many television programs and newspaper articles introduced blue carbon as an effective measure against global warming. However, relatively few explained the underlying scientific mechanisms of how carbon is absorbed, stored, and retained in marine ecosystems. Likewise, references to scientific uncertainties, risks, or limitations were rare. In particular, no television programs in the sample discussed potential challenges associated with blue carbon initiatives, while only a small number of newspaper articles addressed such issues.
On the other hand, many reports introduced specific coastal regions and local conservation efforts, helping audiences relate blue carbon to familiar environmental issues.
The analysis also revealed a characteristic tendency in Japanese media coverage: blue carbon was frequently illustrated using seaweeds such as wakame and kombu. However, at the time of this study, the effectiveness of seaweed-based carbon sequestration remained an active topic of international scientific debate.
Overall, the findings suggest that effective science communication about blue carbon requires not only highlighting its potential benefits but also communicating its mechanisms, uncertainties, and limitations. Achieving scientifically accurate and balanced public communication will require closer collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and media professionals.
Publication Information
Masu, T., & Abe, Y. (2026). Conveying blue carbon as a scientific concept: A content analysis of Japanese television and newspapers. Marine Policy, 186, 107028.