Teal Carbon

Reference

India's first study on 'Teal Carbon' conducted in Keoladeo National Park highlights the importance of wetland conservation for climate adaptation and resilience.

What is Teal Carbon 

• Teal carbon refers to carbon stored in non-tidal freshwater wetlands (e.g. marshes). 
• These ecosystems are considered more efficient at carbon capture and storage than terrestrial forest ecosystems and can store and sequester more carbon than any other type of terrestrial ecosystem.
• This colour-based terminology reflects the classification of organic carbon based on its function and location rather than its physical properties.

Colour-based classification of carbon

• Scientists use colour to classify carbon based on its function, characteristics and location at different points in the carbon cycle. It is of the following types:
  • Purple carbon: Carbon derived through air or industrial emissions
  • Blue carbon: Carbon stored in marine plants and sediments
  • Teal carbon: Carbon stored in freshwater and wetland environments
  • Green carbon: Carbon stored in terrestrial plants and forests
  • Black carbon: Carbon emitted from the burning of fossil fuels
  • Grey carbon: Carbon emitted through industrial emissions
  • Brown carbon: Carbon emitted from the incomplete combustion of organic matter
  • Red carbon: Carbon released through biological particles on snow and ice
    • It reduces the albedo.