Seaweed farming is amongst the leading climate change solutions making waves in the fight against global warming. To understand how this works, we must first look at the crisis our oceans are currently facing due to ocean acidification.

What is ocean acidification?

Excess carbon dioxide in our atmosphere has been shown to cause a change in the ocean’s chemistry, throwing off the ocean’s pH balance and making it more acidic. This acidic seawater can be harmful to the sensitive ecosystem of our marine life.

What can seaweed do?

According to the Natural Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), while many species suffer in acidic water, seaweed thrives. Not only does this type of algae absorb CO2, it also releases oxygen back into the water, thus improving water quality twofold. Certain types of seaweed can even absorb five times more carbon dioxide than land-based plants.

Who’s leading the way?

GreenWave, a nonprofit founded by ocean farming pioneer Bren Smith, has made it their mission to reverse climate change through the new blue-green economy. They work to rebuild reef systems, prevent dead zones, create jobs, and lessen the demand on our fish stocks. To learn more about how their vertical farming practices are restoring our oceans, visit greenwave.org.

Learn how regenerative agriculture, another farming practice, can reverse the effects of climate change.