An important role played by the ocean is the storage and exchange of CO2 with the atmosphere, and its diffusion toward deeper layers. At high latitudes, dense waters sink, transferring carbon to the deep ocean. Warming of the ocean surface inhibits this sinking process and therefore reduces the efficiency of CO2 transport and storage. Furthermore, as water warms up, the solubility of CO2 declines, therefore less gas can be stored in the sea water...

All transport accounts for approximately 13.5% of the total emissions, while deforestation accounts for approximately 18%. However, estimates of the loss of marine carbon-binding ecosystems have previously not been included.

World carbon dioxide emissions by region, 1950-2006. Under the terms of the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), countries that have contributed the most greenhouse gas emissions have a responsibility to dramatically cut emissions and to assist the most vulnerable peoples and regions to adapt.