Science for the Planet: Sinking Seaweed for Sequestration
Biological oceanographer Ajit Subramaniam is researching the potential of using sargassum seaweed to reduce carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and combat climate change. By sinking large quantities of the seaweed to the seafloor, the carbon it absorbs through photosynthesis could be trapped for at least a century, effectively removing it from the atmosphere.
Massive sargassum blooms, believed to be fueled by climate change, have been causing issues for Caribbean beaches and communities. The accumulation of sargassum on shorelines emits hydrogen sulfide, impacting human health and deterring tourism, upon which many of these communities rely.
This video is part of Science for the Planet, a series that delves into the work of Columbia Climate School scientists and scholars as they strive to understand the impact of climate change and work towards solutions.
