Seagrass: A Climate Change Solution

Guest Presenter: Elisabeth H. Sellinger
Dr. Tessa Hill | Ocean Climate Lab
UC Davis Earth and Planetary Sciences

We've known for a while that carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels warms our climate. To prevent severe events, we need to stop producing CO2 and remove some of it. Natural climate solutions are here to help, enhancing what the Earth does naturally. Trees and land plants sequester carbon through photosynthesis, but did you know the ocean is a major carbon sink too? About half of this carbon is stored in blue carbon coastal ecosystems like seagrasses. These amazing marine plants, found on coasts worldwide except Antarctica, store carbon in their plant matter and sediments for hundreds of years. Plus, they offer multiple co-benefits like coastal protection, enhancing biodiversity, and stabilizing sediments. Come join us to learn about the importance of seagrass, fun coastal critters, and positive climate change solutions!

Elisabeth Sellinger is Ph.D. student at the University of California Davis in the Earth and Planetary Sciences Department and the Bodega Marine Laboratory. She works with Dr. Tessa Hill on seagrass carbon storage along the California coast, specifically looking at the impacts of restoration. Elisabeth is collaborating with Greater Farallones and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary on both seagrass research and outreach/education.

Learn more about Elisabeth’s work HERE.