
Why the future of carbon should be blue
Collectively, the mangrove trees that cling to coasts throughout the tropics may well be the most important ecosystems on Earth.
Dr. Emily Pidgeon is the Vice President of Ocean Science and Innovation at Conservation International. Dr. Pidgeon leads institutional programs integrating ocean science and research with effective conservation strategies and field implementation globally. This has included a particular focus on the impacts of climate change on coastal and ocean communities and environments. She leads the Blue Carbon Initiative - a global partnership focused on recognizing the carbon and other values of coastal ecosystems and increasing conservation and restoration of these coastal ecosystems. Dr. Pidgeon founded the International Blue Carbon Institute in Singapore, is co-chair of the International Blue Carbon Scientific Working Group, and has lead implementation of blue carbon conservation in priority countries globally. Dr. Pidgeon has a broad background in marine and coastal science and engineering. Prior to joining Conservation International, she was a coastal oceanographer at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Dr. Pidgeon holds a Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering from Stanford University.