TED Talks Daily The unexpected, underwater plant fighting climate change | Carlos M. Duarte
Jan 18, 2022
Marine scientist Carlos M. Duarte, an expert on seagrass, reveals how this unassuming underwater plant is a powerhouse against climate change. He discusses its incredible ability to sequester carbon, even outpacing rainforests in effectiveness. Duarte shares innovative restoration projects that not only protect these vital ecosystems but also enhance biodiversity and coastal defense. He emphasizes the urgent need to conserve seagrass meadows to combat plastic pollution and support marine life, highlighting their crucial role in our planet's future.
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Seagrass: An Unlikely Champion
- Seagrasses are vital carbon removers, sequestering a third of the ocean's carbon despite occupying only 0.1% of the seafloor.
- Their adaptation to ocean life is remarkable, with only 70 out of 300,000 flowering plant species achieving this.
Ancient Seagrass Meadow
- A 15-kilometer seagrass clone, the size of Manhattan, was discovered in the Mediterranean, originating from a seed 200,000 years ago.
- This ancient meadow is now a protected World Heritage site due to its size, age, and biodiversity.
Carbon Sequestration Powerhouse
- Seagrass meadows sequester carbon effectively due to high productivity, slow decomposition in oxygen-depleted soils, and the absence of underwater fires.
- One hectare of seagrass can sequester as much carbon as 15 hectares of Amazon rainforest.