Why "Seaweed" is a climate hero? 7 superpowers you must know

Seaweed absorbs carbon dioxide like land plants but needs no land, fertiliser, or freshwater. Scientists suppose that the potential carbon sequestration of seaweed beds can match the potential of mangroves, salt marshes and seagrasses. This makes seaweed massively underestimated, partner in the fight of climate change in a warming world.

Seaweed is a sustainable food source and adaptation tool (Image: Canva)

Superpower 2: Seaweed as a Low-Carbon Food Source

Conventional farming emits high greenhouse gases, but seaweed needs no land, fertiliser or freshwater. Rich in minerals and protein, Seaweed offers a low-carbon, sustainable food solution for millions globally.

Superpower 3: Seaweed Supports Coastal Communities

Coastal livelihoods are threatened by rising seas, storms, and shifting fish stocks. Seaweed farming offers extra income, diversifies earnings and helps communities adapt sustainably to climate change impacts.

Superpower 4: Seaweed Protects Shorelines

The seaweed farms serve as breakwaters in the sea capturing the energy of waves and prevention of erosion. In some areas, the seaweed has offered some level of protection to the coastlines in times of harsh storms where human structures were damaged.

With the growing frequency of extreme weather events these green barriers may become a vital part of the coastal security.

Superpower 5: Seaweed Offers Alternatives to Plastic

An alternative of plastic pollution is seaweed, which is sustainable. It would be possible to convert plastic into biodegradable packaging and fishing equipment. The growth and reuse of seaweed-based materials would be able to minimise plastic waste and decrease the number of emissions.

Superpower 6: Seaweed Mitigates Ocean Acidification

Rising carbon dioxide is making oceans more acidic, threatening shellfish and other marine life. Seaweed naturally absorbs CO₂ and nutrients from the water. This can stabilise local pH levels and create refuges for vulnerable species, supporting biodiversity in changing oceans.

Seaweed absorbs CO₂ as it grows, much like land plants. (Image: Daniel Vernick/WWF)

Superpower 7: Seaweed Reduces Livestock Emissions

There are encouraging results by using seaweed as animal feed. It has been shown that small amounts can reduce the methane emissions in cattle and other livestock. The seaweed supplementation also improves the health of animals.

It reduces the necessary amount of antibiotics and lowers emissions per unit of food. Seaweed is a pathway to decarbonise parts of the high-emission livestock sector.

Why Seaweed Matters Now?

As the world grapples with deforestation and ecosystem collapse, seaweed offers a simple, scalable and nature‑based answer. Seaweed's versatility from carbon sequestration to shoreline protection makes it a unique nature-based tool.

Seaweed offers a simple, scalable and nature‑based answer. (Image: Canva)

Seaweed is not a silver bullet. But in a world seeking fast, scalable and low-impact solutions, it could be one of the most underestimated weapons against climate change. The ocean may be hiding more answers and seaweed is leading the charge.