A new open-source model of vertical ocean farming created by GreenWave can sequester carbon while growing crops for food, energy, pharmaceuticals, and even cosmetics without any need for fresh water, fertilizers, or pesticides. The kelp grown on the farms absorbs five times as much carbon dioxide as plants grown on land, and the cultivated oysters sequester nitrogen runoff that can cause dead zones and algae blooms that harm coastal ecosystems. The design and species used in the farms provide habitats for birds and ocean wildlife while restoring reefs that rebuild storm barriers.
Climate Protection: Sequesters carbon dioxide and nitrogen pollution; provides habitats for wildlife
Energy & Mobility: Grows crops for biofuels
Resilience: Rebuilds reefs that protect coastal communities from storm surges
Food & Water: Grows nutrient-rich food crops without requiring fresh water, with higher yields than other farming methods
Jobs & Assets: Provides vocational training and livelihoods for unemployed fishermen; revitalizes declining fishing communities
Connection: Connects and educates local fishermen, students, chefs, journalists, and policymakers
This post is part of a series on examples of multisolving, or climate-smart policies that simultaneously work to mitigate climate change while providing co-benefits such as the ones described above. The multiple benefits analysis was done using the FLOWER framework.