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.”



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