Seaweed // livestream from Aarhus University

Under the surface of the sea, seaweed grows in a wealth of different colors, shapes, and sizes. The seaweed forests growing along the coasts around the world are just as important to marine ecosystems as forests are for life on land. From the poles to the equator, seaweed creates food sources and hiding places for countless marine organisms – such as fish and small animals. At the same time, seaweed helps maintain both the marine environment and the climate in balance, as seaweed absorbs nutrients from seawater, absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere, produces oxygen, and counteracts ocean acidification.

Humans around the world have used seaweed as a resource since ancient times – for food, feed, fertilizer, gunpowder, and materials. In the world today, we face several major challenges – climate crisis, food crisis, biodiversity crisis, and a new geopolitical agenda. Seaweed is often mentioned as a solution that can save the world – but can it really be true?

Seaweed is actually not plants – seaweed is algae. Come and hear what seaweed and algae actually are. What distinguishes them from plants and animals? And how is seaweed cultivated – both in the sea and on land? Also hear about the sustainable solutions seaweed can contribute to in the future – both when it comes to climate, biodiversity, and future foods. And get the chance to taste the future, as we dive into the world of seaweed flavors.

The lecture is part of Aarhus University's series of "Public Lectures in Natural Sciences".

The lecture will be livestreamed to Egtved Library. The livestream starts at 7 PM. Doors close at 6:45 PM.

Free admission. Just show up – no registration required.