<p dir="ltr">Algal blooms induced by eutrophication not only deteriorate water quality but also enhance greenhouse emissions. Although the theory of multiple stable states suggests macrophyte restoration can reverse algal-domination in lakes, associated ecosystem climate benefits are rarely considered. Based on a recent mass balance model, we highlight macrophyte restoration as a promising strategy to synergistically alleviate lake eutrophication and carbon emission. We found a general decrease in carbon dioxide equivalents (ΔCO2-eq) after macrophyte restoration, then we discussed the potential pathways that macrophyte restoration decreases carbon emission. It is also noteworthy that such net climate benefits are much dependent on the applied restoration species and ecosystem management via associated trade-offs between CO2 sequestration and methane (CH4) emissions. Our study emphasizes the significance of macrophyte restoration for their important roles in enhancing water quality and carbon sink in lakes.</p>