The goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions can get much closer thanks to researchers at the University of Houston.
They have done groundbreaking research on algae which they had conducted at the microbial products lab in UH.
Their discovery is the highlight of a recent article in Green Chemistry, a journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
An associate professor of engineering technology in UH, Venkatesh Balan, has always been interested in algae.
Balan is actively exploring the uniqueness of small, light-sensitive organisms known as microalgae found in both fresh and saltwater.
As previous research found, these microalgae have the ability to actively capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.
But what really piqued Balan’s interest is the active transformation of the captured CO2. Microalgae can transform carbon into proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates through a series of processes.
Balan and his team firmly believe that this green process has a lot of potential. It won’t only revolutionize climate issues but also to actively impact current food production.
The associate professor has actively studied algae for seven years. He envisions a future where microalgae are widely and actively used. For instance, treating wastewater, as well as producing fertilizers, food, fuels, and chemicals.
Treating the planet with microalgae
There is a type of microalgae that we’ve used for freshwater treatments like spirulina. As we know, it has been actively utilized in health supplements and cosmetics.
But with the team’s new discovery, microalgae could become an active and sustainable source for biofuels and biochemicals. Therefore, we have a clearer pathway to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
With the right nudge here and there, microalgae may actively play an important role in improving global warming worldwide.
Balan emphasizes the urgency of addressing climate change. He has pointed out extreme weather events like the three-month 100-degree heatwave in Texas and other parts of the world.
“That is a testament to climate change. No one can deny it,” Balan said.
According to the UH associate professor, the greenhouse effect is still to blame.
Because certain gases actively trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere, they accelerate global warming. Additionally, CO2 and chlorofluorocarbon are contributing majorly.
What the team came up with
So, to actively tackle excess CO2 in the atmosphere, Balan proposes an innovative approach using algae.
The conventional method of actively capturing and burying CO2 is costly and energy intensive.
Therefore, the team suggests using algae to fix the CO2 and then actively converting the carbon into beneficial bioproducts.
In addition, Balan and his research assistant have discovered that algae can be used as a substrate to actively produce fungus. Thus, they create a symbiotic relationship.
This active relationship mirrors the natural occurrence of lichen, a composite organism that’s part algae, part fungi.
Now, lichen is a preferred food of deer and other animals. They typically nibble it from the trunks of trees where it grows in the wild. That’s why it’s misnamed tree moss sometimes.
The researchers have tried to mimic how lichen grows in nature.
They aim to replicate how algae produce oxygen, and fungi actively stabilize CO2 while also actively producing oxygen. Much like what happens in a real setting.
As a bonus, the resulting active combination of algae and fungus could be actively converted into healthy food products.
That offers a promising solution to the active quest for a net-zero carbon footprint.
But haven’t we done something without algae?
Yes, we have the net-zero goals. And people who try to achieve these have the right ambition.
Unfortunately, not everyone knows what to do.
A 2023 report reveals that fewer than 5% of companies publicly committing to these goals are making progress.
Some say that 5% is being optimistic; a 2022 Capgemini report found less. In the 2022 report, less than half of surveyed executives had clear short-term sustainability initiatives.
Sectors like retail have set ambitious goals. However, they face common challenges in emissions production, particularly in areas like freight and raw material needs.
So what happens?
According to experts, one major obstacle is the cost associated with net-zero goals, which requires upfront investment.
Kate Aydin, EVP of consumer products & fashion at Capgemini, acknowledges this challenge. Aydin emphasized the need for a balanced approach.
There should be a balance between profit and purpose, involving employees, supply chain practices, vendors, and ingredient suppliers.
Experts have also pointed out the rising of siloed data across companies, hindering progress toward net-zero goals.
It’s crucial to collaborate between financial and emissions teams. Alas, organizations often lack a governing body or steering committee that oversees a data strategy for net-zero progress.
Aydin emphasizes the importance of connecting sustainability successes to garner broader attention and support.
Therefore, transparency in reporting toward net-zero goals is essential, particularly in consumer-facing industries like CPG and retail.
Besides, experts believe that companies openly sharing data on their net-zero journey tend to make more progress.
Nevertheless, more companies have positioned themselves proactively rather than reactively.
This may potentially lead to more innovation and growth opportunities.
Industry experts have also encouraged reframing the risk with optimism, as transparency reporting often sparks positive outcomes.
Moreover, according to Balan, companies may invest in carbon offset projects.
Initiatives that reduce or remove greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions include reforestation and clean energy programs can be a good start.
Everyone’s responsibility
Owners of business and policymakers often wonder if their establishment or government can reach “ideal” net-zero status. After all, they’ve tried and tried, haven’t they?
However, there needs to be an understanding that achieving net zero is not an independent effort. It should be collaborative, to reach a unified goal that needs to resonate with our changing environment.
Lawmakers, policymakers, and companies emitting greenhouse gases are keen on finding alternatives—some do it more actively than others.
However, Balan actively acknowledges that industries aren’t solely responsible for pollution. Consumers also actively contribute through the production and transportation of everyday items.
Balan said, “On your table or in your pantry, you see food products.
“What’s harder to visualize are the greenhouse gases emitted by the orchard that grows the fruit, the factory that makes the breakfast cereal, the transportation that brings the cookies to your neighborhood, even your own commute to buy the food.
“It adds up, but the problem is easy to ignore because we can’t see it. Yet all consumers contribute, in our own way, to the greenhouse effect.”
So, while waiting for further research about how algae can help us reach net-zero goals as well as further initiatives, let’s also do our part to improve the planet.
Sources
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/10/231025185159.htm
Leave a Reply