Summary
Scientists are exploring the potential of microbes, particularly cyanobacteria, to help address climate change and other environmental challenges. A new strain of cyanobacteria discovered near Sicily was found to consume carbon dioxide (CO2) rapidly through photosynthesis, converting it into biomass. These microbes can capture more carbon in a shorter time frame and can be grown in non-arable land or seawater, not competing with food production. Researchers are creating a “living database” to share DNA sequences, allowing scientists worldwide to continue studying these microbes. Microbes can also be used to address the decline in pollinator populations, offering a multifaceted approach to environmental issues.
He describes cyanobacteria as “nature’s little alchemists” as they absorb large amounts of CO2 and can convert it into useful resources, such as fuels or biodegradable plastics.
Capture the CO2 just to release it again? This is a problem with carbon capture schemes even if you solve efficiency, where does the carbon go? The next paragraph says something about them falling to the floor of the ocean due to their density, but I’d be surprised if most of that CO2 didn’t end up back in the atmosphere or even worse, temporarily acidifying the water.
