Algae are a unique collection of eukaryotic organisms sometimes considered plants, bacteria or protists (which is sort of a non-of-the-above category in the general catalog of living things). They’re photosynthetic and draw nutrients directly from water, without the need for roots, stems, leaves, and so on. With a continuous presence throughout history, algae are found almost everywhere on the planet and make up a very diverse classification that includes over 72,000 unique species. They play fundamental roles in many ecosystems and are foundational organisms in both freshwater and marine food chains.
Algae are rapid reproducers and need only sunlight, water, CO2 and a few inorganic minerals to thrive. They are often reviled as spoilers of home aquariums, backyard ponds, eutrophic streams, and unhealthy aquatic ecosystems of all sorts, but algae benefit the planet far more than it damages it. In fact, algae are major oxygen producers and are globally credited with contributing about 70% of the oxygen we breathe. Algae shows promise in reducing global food scarcity, producing sustainable fuel, and can play a critical role in environmental remediation.
Algae have been consumed as a food product for thousands of years, and have been cultivated at least since the 17th century, while today, several different types of algae are hailed as the ultimate superfood. Nothing compares, ounce for ounce, to the nutritional content of seaweeds, while the potential health benefits of algae are so broad that they are already used in common medicines, some anti-cancer treatments, and are being studied as remedies for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, weight loss and diabetes. Several types of algae are already sought after for use in popular products such as cosmetics, ice cream, medicine, fertilizers and sustainable fuels.
Even when not used for producing foodstuff, algae can help in treating and purifying wastewater from agricultural, municipal, and industrial sources. In fact, algae are so adaptable that they can be grown in any type of water, including those that are unsuitable for just about any food producing crop.
Algae have a nearly endless list of strengths and if the world continues to study and develop efficient technologies for their use, the future will demonstrate their value not only as a vital food resource, but as a benefit to the planet as a whole.
Geopolitical conflicts and supply chain disruptions present a big vulnerability for nations dependent on outside sources for oil and natural gas. Biofuels can help nations, and even regions, become less dependent on foreign oil since they use locally grown crops to produce fuel in local refineries. This is especially true for fuels sourced from algae, since they don’t compete with food-producing crops for space or water.
