The hidden ocean cost of carbon: why climate damage is nearly twice as high as we thought
Peer-Reviewed Publication
This June, we’re turning our attention to the ocean in honor of World Ocean Day on June 8. Covering more than 70% of our planet, the ocean is full of discovery, wonder, and life. Join us as we explore the science behind marine ecosystems and the important role oceans play in shaping our world.
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 21-Jun-2026 12:16 ET (21-Jun-2026 16:16 GMT/UTC)
An international study, featuring CMCC scientists, reveals that the true economic damage of climate change has been vastly underestimated – because the ocean has been left out of the equation. By integrating the latest ocean science into climate-economic models, researchers found that accounting for climate impacts on marine ecosystems and ocean-dependent infrastructure nearly doubles the social cost of carbon. The hidden ocean cost is estimated at $48 per tonne of CO₂, a figure that should be added to current policy calculations.
New research from Adelaide University suggests the power of the ancient Tethys Ocean might have shaped Central Asia’s topography during the Cretaceous period.