The next stage in humanity's fight to reduce greenhouse emissions may revolve around seaweed, says Professor Tim Flannery.
Internationally-acclaimed scientist, Professor Flannery, is in the country, providing in-depth overview of climate change and initiatives PNG can embark on.
He says globally, emissions are likely to keep rising, which means seaweed-related carbon capture should only be one part of a bigger emissions reduction picture.
To stay within the Paris climate agreement's 2℃ warming threshold, most experts agree that carbon must be removed from the atmosphere as well as reduce emissions.
Scientists have discovered seaweeds have an enormous potential to reduce greenhouse gases and draw carbon out of the atmosphere.
Professor Flannery states oceans cover up to 71 percent of the earth and with up to 60 times faster in growth, seaweeds can easily absorb carbon hence, removing it from the atmosphere. This reduces all carbon-related issues.
Professor Flannery says Indonesians, with funding assistance from Australia, have started seaweed farming and aqua-culture to draw out carbon emissions.
He is encouraging Papua New Guineans to engage in seaweed farming as well.
Safeguarding marine species and seafood security are some of the benefits.
Australian biologist, Prof. Flannery, is a renowned mammalogist, palaeontologist, explorer and climate change activist.
(Picture: California Academy of Sciences)