Carbon sinking through coastal landscapes: Identifying opportunities for the port of Sines, Portugal

Abstract

The 2050 European Union's goal of carbon neutrality involves intervening to decarbonise various key sectors in the member states, such as maritime ports. The aim of this study is to develop a methodology of analysis for the port of Sines’ landscape, in order to find ways of reducing its carbon footprint through a carbon capture project by its own landscape. The study is based on the data regarding the carbon footprint for which the port administration is directly responsible, as stipulated by scopes 01 and 02 of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Next, it is proposed the analysis of the landscape context at three scales (Port jurisdiction, Municipal and Municipal surroundings areas), using GIS tools for land use and occupation parameters and landscape units, as well as landscape planning standards. This characterisation allows the location of ideal zones for implementing emission offsetting measures. The possibility of using vegetation is emphasised as a way of enhancing local ecosystems and reducing the port's carbon footprint, in which it can be chosen based on its ecological and cultural relevance within the context of Sines, with the intention of having a landscape design that is consistent to and active against climate change.