The future of seaweed

Oceanographer Kristen Davis, an authority on ocean physics and climate sustainability, discusses the growing excitement around seaweed and kelp as tools to combat climate change. Like trees on land, these underwater plants use photosynthesis to absorb carbon dioxide and convert it into organic matter. When they die, some of that carbon may sink to the ocean depths. However, the science is still evolving and there’s a lot we don’t yet understand about how seaweed farming might impact carbon sequestration. Davis shares insights into the ongoing research and its promise on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast with host Russ Altman.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your quest. You can send questions to [email protected] Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Kristen DavisConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guest Kristen Davis, a professor of oceans at Stanford University.(00:03:20) Understanding the CO2 ProblemThe origins of the CO2 problem and its connection to ocean dynamics.(00:06:11) Seaweed as a SolutionSeaweed's potential as a carbon sink and its comparison to terrestrial trees.(00:09:02) Challenges in Seaweed CultivationEcological impacts and practical challenges of scaling seaweed farming.(00:12:00) How a Seaweed-Based Solution WorksLogistics for seaweed farming nearshore and in deep ocean settings.(00:15:08) Genetic Advances in Seaweed FarmingBioengineering seaweed for resilience and optimizing carbon capture.(00:16:43) Seaweed Beyond Carbon StoragePotential uses of seaweed for biofuel, food, and reducing methane.(00:20:20) Internal Waves in Ocean DynamicsInternal waves and their role in mixing and nutrient distribution.(00:24:18) Currents vs. Internal WavesThe relationship between ocean currents and internal waves.(00:26:47) Measurement TechnologiesInnovations in fiber-optic sensors for mapping internal waves.(00:30:22) A Global Wave MapThe vision for a comprehensive, global study of internal wave dynamics.(00:31:22) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.