Throw your money in the ocean.
Originally published on Paragraph
Humanity's inherent land-bias prevents proper consideration of ocean-based climate solutions. This "Salty Water" research initiative focuses on understanding why marine technology remains vastly underfunded compared to terrestrial clean tech.
Key Funding Disparity
"While VCs pour billions into the clean tech industry ($30B so far this year), oceans funding is barely tracked. Last year's figures from the CleanTech Group estimate it as little as $25M."
Of $10 billion in philanthropic climate grants, merely $102 million (approximately 1%) targets ocean initiatives.
Ocean Solutions Potential
A World Resources Institute report demonstrates ocean-based approaches could close the emissions gap by 21% through renewable energy, carbon removal, ecosystem restoration, and blue economy decarbonization.
Featured Ocean Tech Companies
- Running Tide: Seaweed sequestration and deep ocean storage (editorial note: "sinking seaweed for carbon credits is unproven")
- BioRock: Beach restoration technology
- Vlinder: Blockchain-based blue carbon management
- The Crop Project: Regenerative kelp farming networks
- C-Combinator: Seaweed-based materials (plastics, rubbers, foams, leathers)
- Pliant Energy Systems: Sustainable deep ocean mining
- Nature Conservancy: Blue Bonds for marine protected areas
Research Objectives
- Create an "Oceans Primer for Land Lovers"
- Promote regenerative business models addressing multiple challenges simultaneously
- Connect vetted ocean initiatives with funding sources
Call to Action
Seeking scientific advisors, ocean-focused investors, and innovative founders integrating business success with environmental and social benefits.
Contact: irenepolnyi@gmail.com