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 thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.

Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford Profile: Kristen Davis

Connect With Us:

• Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
• Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
• Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces guest Kristen Davis, a professor of oceans at Stanford University.

(00:03:20) Understanding the CO2 Problem

The origins of the CO2 problem and its connection to ocean dynamics.

(00:06:11) Seaweed as a Solution

Seaweed's potential as a carbon sink and its comparison to terrestrial trees.

(00:09:02) Challenges in Seaweed Cultivation

Ecological impacts and practical challenges of scaling seaweed farming.

(00:12:00) How a Seaweed-Based Solution Works

Logistics for seaweed farming nearshore and in deep ocean settings.

(00:15:08) Genetic Advances in Seaweed Farming

Bioengineering seaweed for resilience and optimizing carbon capture.

(00:16:43) Seaweed Beyond Carbon Storage

Potential uses of seaweed for biofuel, food, and reducing methane.

(00:20:20) Internal Waves in Ocean Dynamics

Internal waves and their role in mixing and nutrient distribution.

(00:24:18) Currents vs. Internal Waves

The relationship between ocean currents and internal waves.

(00:26:47) Measurement Technologies

Innovations in fiber-optic sensors for mapping internal waves.

(00:30:22) A Global Wave Map

The vision for a comprehensive, global study of internal wave dynamics.

(00:31:22) Conclusion

Connect With Us:

Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon

Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook