The anthropogenic increase in the concentration of CO2 and CH4 in the atmosphere contributes to global warming.
Much of the greenhouse effect is associated with methane emissions (much more than carbon dioxide emissions). This methane comes essentially from the intensive production of cows, pigs and poultry for human consumption.
In addition to serving as a refuge for biodiversity, seagrasses consume carbon dioxide, release oxygen (during the day, through the process of photosynthesis) and retain carbon, known as blue carbon.
On the other hand, the carbonated shells of living beings prevent an abrupt drop in pH, combating the acidification of the oceans, at the cost of the wear and degradation of the shells, making these living beings more vulnerable and leading to their death.
The aim of this project is to investigate the impact of increasing CO2 and CH4 concentrations on the balance of the Ria Formosa ecosystems and what measures each of us can take to minimise our CO2 and CH4 emissions.