Blue vs Green: Why We Need a Dose of Vitamin SEA
When it comes to nature-based climate solutions, “plant a tree” has become the go-to mantra. But there’s a powerful, fast-growing force making waves below the ocean’s surface — seaweed forests.
Also known as kelp forests or underwater rainforests, these marine ecosystems offer a potent and often overlooked climate solution. Welcome to the world of blue carbon — and a compelling case for choosing Vitamin SEA alongside the greenery.
1. Seaweed Forests: Carbon Removal Powerhouses
Seaweed can grow up to 60 cm per day, making it one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth. This rapid growth enables it to absorb CO₂ far more quickly than trees.
According to World Bank research, large-scale seaweed farming could remove nearly 3 billion tons of CO₂ per year under optimal conditions.
Seaweed doesn’t require land, freshwater, or fertiliser, and it even helps combat ocean acidification — boosting the ocean’s overall ability to store carbon.
Learn more from the Nature-based Solutions Initiative and Energy Futures Initiative.
2. Blue vs Green: Seaweed Forests vs. Terrestrial Forests
While both ecosystems play a crucial role in carbon removal, seaweed and forests offer different strengths — and can work together in a complementary way.
Comparison of Seaweed forest and Terrestrial
Bottom line: Seaweed forests are not a replacement for trees — but they are a vital addition to our climate toolkit.
3. Boosting Coastal Economies and Communities
Seaweed farming is a low-cost, high-impact livelihood for coastal communities, particularly in the Global South.
In countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, and Tanzania, seaweed farming supports over 6 million people, per the FAO.
Benefits include:
Job creation — especially for women and smallholder farmers
Low barriers to entry
Diversified income for climate-vulnerable communities
See more in The Seaweed Manifesto by UN Global Compact and Safe Seaweed Coalition.
4. Superfood of the Sea: A Sustainable Food Source
Seaweed is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in iodine, protein, calcium, and antioxidants. It also offers critical innovations in food systems:
As a sustainable human food source
In methane-reducing animal feed
For use in bioplastics, packaging, fertilisers, and even cosmetics
Research from CSIRO Australia shows certain seaweed strains reduce cow methane emissions by over 80% when added to feed.
Learn more from Seaweed for Europe on seaweed’s potential in circular economies.
5. Benefits for Biodiversity and Planetary Health
Beyond carbon, seaweed forests offer a host of ecosystem benefits:
Marine habitat restoration — supporting fish, shellfish, otters, and more
Coastal protection — reducing erosion and storm surge
Water purification — absorbing excess nutrients and improving water quality
The Nature Conservancy outlines seaweed’s value for ocean health and resilience.
Conclusion: A Dose of Vitamin SEA
Seaweed forests are a fast, scalable, and multi-benefit solution for our climate and oceans. While trees remain essential, they shouldn’t be the only green symbol in climate action.
As we race toward net-zero, it’s clear we need to balance Blue and Green — planting trees on land and growing forests in the sea.
So next time someone says "plant a tree," think about “ Vitamin SEA.”