Podcast Summary
Aquaculture company focusing on filter feeders for carbon sequestration and sustainable diets: Running Tide's aquaculture of oysters and kelp contributes to carbon sequestration, supports sustainable diets, and offers potential health benefits.
Running Tide is a full-stack aquaculture company focusing on filter feeders like oysters, scallops, clams, and kelp. They're building and managing large-scale living ocean systems. These organisms, particularly oysters and kelp, have a significant impact on carbon sequestration. For every 100 grams of oysters, 12 grams of carbon are sequestered in the shells. Shells are made of calcium carbonate, a natural part of the carbon cycle. The carbon from the air that makes its way into the water forms into oyster shells. The Okinawan diet, rich in DHA and omega-3s from foods like oysters and kelp, has been linked to longevity. So, Running Tide's work not only contributes to carbon sequestration but also supports sustainable diets with potential health benefits.
Oil production from ancient seabeds, not dinosaurs: Oil comes from ancient algae, not dinosaurs. Urgent action needed to reduce carbon emissions and sequester carbon to mitigate climate change impacts, including ocean acidification and loss of fishing opportunities.
The production of oil is largely the result of ancient seabeds containing deposits of dead macro and microalgae, including kelp, rather than being derived from dinosaurs as commonly believed. This observation is significant because we need to remove approximately 800 to 1,000 gigatons of carbon from the atmosphere over the next 10 to 20 years to mitigate the effects of the Industrial Revolution. Kelp, as a macroalgae, plays a role in carbon sequestration. However, the ocean's increasing acidification due to excess CO2 is a major concern, as it could lead to catastrophic consequences, including the loss of ocean productivity and potential harm to communities reliant on fishing industries. The urgency to address carbon emissions and sequestration cannot be overstated, as the negative feedback loops, such as forest fires and permafrost melting, are already in motion and exacerbating the problem. The situation is critical, and it's essential to take action to confront and mitigate the impacts of this carbon debt spiral. For context, the speaker's family background is in fishing in Portland, Maine, and they have witnessed the reduction in opportunities due to declining fish populations.
Effective B2B marketing on LinkedIn: LinkedIn is the most effective social media platform for B2B marketing with over 78% of marketers rating it highly. It offers lead generation and brand building capabilities, making it ideal for reaching decision-makers and targeting audiences based on job titles, company names, and locations.
LinkedIn is an effective platform for B2B marketing due to its large number of decision-makers and its ability to target audiences based on job titles, company names, and locations. With over 78% of B2B marketers rating LinkedIn as the most effective social media platform, it's a valuable resource for reaching potential customers in a business mindset. LinkedIn's lead generation and brand building capabilities make it an ideal platform for launching marketing campaigns and connecting with the right people at the right time. Additionally, the speaker shared personal observations about the impact of climate change on fishing industries, highlighting the importance of adapting to changing environments and industries.
Reviving the Ocean with Kelp Farming: Kelp farming is a complex process involving hatcheries and ocean cultivation, but it offers significant benefits for ocean restoration
The ocean's health is a complex issue, and restoring it through methods like kelp farming is a challenging but necessary endeavor. The process involves hatching kelp in a hatchery for around 40 days, then transferring it to the ocean where it floats until it reaches maturity and eventually sinks to the deep ocean floor. The team behind this innovation, which includes brilliant minds, has developed a system where the buoy and plug release the air and sink, allowing the kelp to grow undisturbed. The loss of coral reefs, as seen in the example of antler coral, is a significant issue with incalculable consequences, making the work to restore the ocean all the more crucial. Despite the challenges, the potential benefits of ocean restoration through kelp farming make it a worthwhile pursuit.
Maximizing Carbon Sequestration in Kelp Farming: Effective kelp farming for carbon sequestration requires careful timing and sinking complete microfarms when they're still absorbing sunlight to maximize carbon storage.
Kelp farming is an effective and natural method for carbon sequestration, but it requires careful planning and timing to maximize its potential. Kelp grows and absorbs carbon efficiently for a certain period, after which it reaches a peak growth and starts to break off. The goal is to sink complete microfarms with long fronds when they're still sequestering carbon, which only happens when they have access to sunlight in the top 30 meters of the water column. When they sink to the bottom, they die but continue to store carbon. This process is a natural nudge to accelerate carbon absorption, but the scale of the challenge is enormous, and individual consumer behavior is increasingly important in the fight against climate change. Consumers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly alternatives, and companies like Beyond Meat are thriving as a result. The failure of governments to act on climate change is being challenged by individual behavior, and the potential of kelp farming to help sequester the carbon we're using today is significant.
Innovative companies tackle climate change with kelp farms: Innovative companies like Running Tide develop kelp farms to absorb carbon dioxide, with potential to offset 16 tons of emissions annually for an average American, but it's a massive undertaking to remove permanent carbon from the cycle
Tackling climate change is an important mission, and there are innovative companies working on solutions. Running Tide, for instance, is developing kelp farms that can absorb carbon dioxide from the ocean. These micro farms are designed to be spread out to maximize their impact and minimize energy usage. As an average American, you would need to offset 16 tons of carbon emissions annually. This equates to approximately 400 billion buoys, each capable of absorbing one ton of carbon. While this is a massive undertaking, it's essential to find permanent solutions for carbon removal from the carbon cycle to help restore balance. Companies like Running Tide are making strides in this area and deserve recognition and support.
Addressing Climate Change: Reducing Emissions and Removing Carbon: Reducing personal carbon footprint through low-emission foods and lifestyle choices, while also investing in carbon removal technologies, can help mitigate climate change. The cost of carbon removal is significant but could potentially decrease with economies of scale and technological advancements.
Addressing climate change involves both reducing carbon emissions and removing carbon from the atmosphere. Consuming low carbon footprint foods like oysters and scallps is a good start, but we also need to consider methods for pulling carbon out of the atmosphere and storing it permanently. This can be done by turning it into rock or calcium carbonate, injecting it deep underground, or sinking it to the bottom of the deep sea. The cost of carbon removal is significant, estimated to be around $150 to $200 per ton, but with economies of scale and technological advancements, the price could potentially drop below $50 per ton. Each person's carbon footprint varies, but an average American uses around 16 tons per year, meaning $2,000 to $4,000 could make an individual carbon neutral. It's important to consider personal lifestyle choices, such as diet and transportation, when striving for carbon neutrality. Innovative solutions, such as using robots to build carbon capture structures on old oil rigs or converting oil tankers into greenhouses, could also help scale up carbon removal efforts. Ultimately, it's crucial to acknowledge that there will be externalities when addressing climate change, but the alternative - letting the ocean acidify and die - is not an option.
Utilizing advanced ocean technology for large-scale projects: Ocean data and nutrient considerations are vital for carbon capture systems, contributing to climate change solutions. Founders can focus on core business by outsourcing tax credits and paperwork.
Advanced ocean technology and knowledge are crucial for creating viable large-scale projects with significant impacts on civilization. For instance, ocean data and nutrient considerations are essential for deploying carbon capture systems. Such projects could potentially help humanity surmount major challenges, like climate change, which is considered a "great filter" for civilizations. Meanwhile, founders can simplify their lives by letting experts like Main Street handle tax credits and paperwork, freeing up resources for more pressing matters.
Exploring carbon sequestration in the Mariana Trench and oyster farms: The drive for carbon sequestration solutions comes from consumer demand and co-investors. The Mariana Trench and oyster farms are potential carbon sequestration sites, but careful planning and funding are needed. Voluntary markets may not be enough to meet the scale required, and government intervention may be necessary for permanent carbon removal.
The drive for carbon sequestering solutions comes from both fan base and co-investors. The Mariana Trench could be a potential place for carbon sequestration due to its depth, but it requires careful planning to ensure the carbon stays put. Oyster farms can also aid in carbon sequestration and were part of the initial plan for the company. Funding for kelp farming and carbon sequestration comes from voluntary markets, with companies making commitments to be carbon neutral, but this may not be enough to meet the scale required. As time goes on, government intervention may be necessary for permanent carbon removal at scale. Under the previous Obama administration, there was a focus on climate and carbon, but it's unclear if the current administration has set progress back or accelerated it.
Younger Generations Prioritize Climate Change: Millennials and Gen Z prioritize climate change, older generations less so. Companies and investment community recognize importance, more action needed globally.
The younger generations, particularly millennials and Generation Z, place a high priority on addressing climate change, while older generations, such as boomers and Gen X, are less focused or deny its existence altogether. Companies and the investment community are starting to recognize the importance of this issue, but more action is needed to effectively combat climate change. The belief in climate change and its human cause varies greatly around the world, with some countries showing higher levels of acceptance than others, including the United States lagging behind. It's crucial for all of us to acknowledge the reality of climate change and take action to reduce carbon emissions and remove carbon from the atmosphere.
The power of accessible solutions to drive change: The availability and visibility of effective solutions can inspire curiosity and excitement, leading to wider acceptance and engagement in addressing environmental issues. The pandemic has shown us the potential of reduced carbon emissions, and the increasing availability of solutions offers hope for meaningful progress.
The availability and visibility of effective solutions are crucial in convincing people of the possibility and necessity of addressing environmental issues. The speaker shares personal experiences of the excitement and curiosity people showed towards innovative technologies like electric cars, which were once rare and unique. Now, as more solutions become accessible and commonplace, they are starting to gain wider acceptance. The pandemic provided a unique glimpse into what a world with significantly reduced carbon emissions could look like, and the speaker expresses hope that this experience, combined with the increasing availability of solutions, will lead to greater engagement and national efforts to tackle climate change. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of recognizing the natural environment and built environment, and the potential for a shift in relationships with them, as a result of the pandemic.
Learning from nature to solve global issues: Observe nature's principles to transition to clean energy, consider additionality, and responsibly use nuclear power as a bridge to a carbon-neutral future
We can learn valuable lessons from observing nature and applying its principles to solve complex global issues, such as transitioning away from fossil fuels towards clean energy. The ocean, with its vast power and ability to absorb and support exponential growth, can serve as an inspiration for implementing technologies like nuclear energy and carbon capture. However, it's crucial to consider the concept of additionality and ensure that new energy sources don't lead to a net increase in carbon emissions. Nuclear power, when used responsibly, can provide a bridge to a carbon-neutral future and enable the implementation of carbon capture technologies. In the context of the ongoing global energy transition, a strategic and well-governed approach is necessary to maximize the benefits of various energy sources and minimize potential risks.
Addressing climate change with DAC and nuclear energy: Consider DAC and nuclear energy as tools for reducing carbon emissions, but be aware of risks and ensure a balanced approach. Consumers can drive change through daily choices, and transformational leadership is needed to accelerate the process.
Addressing climate change requires a multi-faceted approach, including the use of various technologies and individual actions. Direct Air Capture (DAC) and nuclear energy are potential tools for reducing carbon emissions. However, it's crucial to consider the risks associated with these technologies and ensure a balanced approach. The models may not be sophisticated enough to predict the exact impact of carbon reduction efforts on climate, but it's clear that inaction is not an option. Consumers have the power to drive change through their daily choices, such as food consumption, and there is a need for transformational leadership to accelerate the process. The warming trend will continue for some time, but the goal should be to bring carbon emissions down as fast as possible to mitigate the worst effects.
Pressure from Younger Generations to Prioritize Environmental Sustainability: Baby Boomer leaders are under pressure to prioritize climate action, with younger generations advocating for environmental sustainability over economic concerns. Companies and individuals, like those in the food industry and Elon Musk with Tesla, are taking steps towards sustainable solutions, offering hope for the future.
The current generation of leaders, primarily Baby Boomers, are facing increasing pressure from younger generations, particularly Gen X and Gen Z, to prioritize environmental sustainability over economic concerns. The speaker, a 38-year-old environmental advocate, expresses concern that these leaders' inaction on climate change will negatively impact their children's lives and traditions. She also highlights the efforts of individuals and companies, such as those in the food industry and Elon Musk with Tesla, to reduce their carbon footprint and move towards sustainable solutions. The speaker finds hope in these initiatives and urges those who are skeptical or cynical to support rather than oppose them. Ultimately, she believes that the future of the planet depends on collective action and a shift towards a more sustainable way of living.
Tech Companies Leading the Charge on Climate Change: Tech giants like Shopify, Stripe, Amazon, Microsoft, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos invest in carbon capture and climate solutions, making a positive impact on the world.
Despite the criticism and negative perceptions surrounding the tech industry, several tech companies like Shopify, Stripe, Amazon, Microsoft, and even individuals like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, are leading the charge in addressing climate change through conscientious capitalism. These companies are investing heavily in emerging technologies and initiatives related to carbon capture and climate solutions. The people behind these companies are forward-thinking and committed to making a positive impact on the world. While there may be downsides to the secondary impacts of large tech companies, their leadership and investment in climate change is unparalleled. The speaker, who has built relationships with many of these individuals and companies, has had only positive experiences and appreciates their efforts. If you're interested in joining this climate revolution, several tech companies are hiring engineers, directors of biology, and other roles across various disciplines. The speaker encourages applicants to be bold, experimental, and comfortable with iterating quickly. The teams at these companies are incredible and work at an impressive pace.
Join Running Tide to make a positive impact in biology and biotech: Consider joining Running Tide to contribute to meaningful projects in biology and biotech, with opportunities available in Maine.
Marty's company is focused on using technology to make a positive impact in the fields of biology and biotech. They are actively hiring at all levels and encourage smart individuals to consider joining their mission instead of working on less meaningful projects. Marty specifically mentioned opportunities in Maine, where they have an office, and expressed appreciation for listeners considering their mission over more conventional career paths. Additionally, Marty mentioned the potential for gifting carbon sequestration or oysters as a unique and impactful gift. The company, Running Tide, is scaling up their efforts and encourages individuals to get involved and help make a difference.
