Problem

Fuels including coal, oil and gas are the primary contributors of global climate change, accounting for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90% of all carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. [1]

When burned, these fuels release vast amounts of carbon dioxide, which traps heat in the atmosphere and accelerates global warming. The consequences are severe — global temperature has already risen by approximately 1.2°C since pre-industrial times, leading to:

Extreme weather events
Rising sea levels

One of the challenges in addressing this issue is that carbon dioxide is difficult to capture and store effectively. The excessive release of this gas, mainly from factories and transportation, has led to an overload in the atmosphere, intensifying the effects of climate change. The continued burning of fossil fuels further worsens this problem, making it essential to:

Find alternative energy sources
Reduce emissions to protect the environment

As greenhouse gas emissions blanket the Earth, they trap the sun’s heat.

Cause and Effect of Climate Change

CO₂ and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Source: Our World in Data

Mission

Selected algae strains have tremendous potential to capture human-generated carbon emissions. Useful byproducts include:

Biofuels
Soil amendments
Industrial chemicals

One potential solution to reducing carbon dioxide emissions is using algae as a fuel source. Algae not only produce biofuel but also absorb carbon dioxide during growth, helping to offset emissions from factories and transportation.

Benefits:

Biofuel production
Carbon dioxide absorption
Byproducts such as calcium carbonate, which can be supplied to pharmaceutical companies
Factories adopting this system can receive documentation verifying their carbon reduction efforts
Eligible for environmental incentives or tax benefits

By offering both carbon capture and a marketable product, this solution creates a sustainable business model while helping combat climate change.

Vision

A cleaner, sustainable future where:

Carbon emissions are significantly reduced through natural solutions like algae
Green business models thrive by turning environmental challenges into economic opportunities
Climate change is mitigated through innovation and commitment to renewable alternatives

What Should this Page Contain?

Explain the problem your project addresses and its potential impact.
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Detail the specific reasons why your team chose this project.
Explain the inspiration behind your project, including any prior research or real-world problems that motivated your team.
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Include relevant scientific background, technical details, and experimental approaches.

Strains of Emiliania huxleyi

We used two specific strains of Emiliania huxleyi: CCMP 371 and CCMP 379. For our experiment, we used three replicates of each CCMP strain for each of our experiments where we vary one condition at a time.

CCMP 371

Maintenance temperature - 20°C
Known temperature range - 17-26°C
Low calcium concentration restricts coccolith formation, but it does not affect the growth of the algae
Coccolith production & calcium-induced biomineralization directly regulated by Ca2+ concentrations, but not affected by phosphate-limitation stress (important aspect of calcification-promoting in other E. huxleyi)

CCMP 379

Maintenance temperature - 14°C
Known temperature range - 11-16°C
Non-calcifying, autotrophic (can produce its own food)

Inspirations

Tips for Success

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References

Cite all relevant research papers, scientific articles, and other sources that informed your project.

Create a dedicated "References" section at the end of the page, and use a consistent citation style.