Seagrass is truly a hidden hero in the fight against climate change. Despite often flying under the radar compared to more well-known climate solutions like forests, seagrass meadows are incredibly effective at storing carbon. In fact, they’re some of the best carbon sinks on Earth, absorbing and locking away carbon dioxide at a rate far faster than tropical rainforests.
Seagrasses are often found in areas with calm, clear water, and they thrive in shallow waters where sunlight can reach them for photosynthesis. However, they are threatened by pollution, coastal development, and climate change, which makes conservation efforts important for maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.
Read on the article to know how seagrass plays a significant role in combating climate change:
What is seagrass?
Seagrass is a type of flowering plant that grows in shallow coastal waters, such as bays, estuaries, and lagoons. Unlike seaweed, which is a type of algae, seagrass is a true plant with roots, stems, and leaves. These plants can form dense meadows on the seafloor, creating important underwater ecosystems that provide many benefits to both marine life and humans.
Combating climate change
Seagrass plays a significant role in combating climate change. It acts as a powerful carbon sink, meaning it absorbs and stores carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. In fact, seagrasses can capture carbon at a rate much higher than terrestrial forests, even though they cover far less area.
Producing remarkable advantages
Carbon Storage: Seagrasses store carbon both in the plants themselves and in the sediment beneath them. When seagrass grows, it helps lock carbon into the soil, where it can remain for centuries if undisturbed.
Coastal Protection: Seagrasses provide important ecosystem services, such as stabilizing the seabed and reducing coastal erosion. Healthy seagrass meadows protect shorelines from storms and rising sea levels, which are consequences of climate change.
Water Quality: Seagrasses help filter the water by trapping particles and absorbing excess nutrients, which can improve water quality and clarity. They also reduce coastal erosion by stabilizing the sediment on the seafloor with their root systems.
Under threat due to humans
Seaweed is edible and has been a staple in many coastal cultures for centuries. It’s used in food, medicine, cosmetics, and even biofuel production. It’s also an important source of nutrients like iodine, vitamins, and minerals. Despite these benefits, seagrass meadows are under threat due to human activities like coastal development, pollution, and climate change itself. Protecting and restoring seagrass habitats is seen as a natural solution to help mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Positive Takeaway
Seaweed provides a range of benefits to both the environment and humans. Seaweed absorbs carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change mitigation. It also provides habitat and food for marine life.