They are microscopic, yet they play a gigantic role in the climate system: the tiny microalgae collectively known as phytoplankton.
They are microscopic, yet they play a gigantic role in the climate system: the tiny microalgae collectively known as phytoplankton. Through photosynthesis, they play a vital role in absorbing CO2 in the ocean. These hidden climate heroes are now at the centre of the new KIMMCO lighthouse project. In this project, researchers from the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel and Kiel University (CAU) are developing AI-based methods to measure the role of phytoplankton and climate-relevant gases, such as CO2 and methane more rapidly and efficiently. The Baltic Sea will serve as the first test area. Today, the Federal Ministry for the Environment in Berlin awarded the project around 2.16 million euros in funding.
Although phytoplankton in the ocean are tiny, they are of global importance: they account for only about 1-2 per cent of plant biomass, yet are responsible for nearly 40 per cent of global CO2 uptake through photosynthesis. The new project at GEOMAR and CAU will use AI to determine the role of phytoplankton in climate protection more precisely and quickly. The project aims to improve our understanding of the ocean’s natural climate protection functions and to strengthen them. The project is funded with around 2.16 million euros as part of the initiative AI Lighthouses for the Environment, Climate, Nature and Resources. Rita Schwarzelühr-Sutter, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMUKN), presented the funding notification in Berlin today.
Read more at: GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel
A phytoplankton community under the microscope. Through photosynthesis, these tiny microalgae play a key role in absorbing CO₂ from the ocean. Photo Credit: Annegret Stuhr, GEOMAR)
