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How do we make an impact with science illustration?
How Do We Make an Impact with Science Illustration?
Visualizing Carbon Capture Potential
SayoStudio’s science illustration depicts potential ocean carbon capture technologies that may help us realize a sustainable future.
How can we make an impact with science illustration and advocate for a sustainable future? As science communicators, that’s a question that we have the privilege to consider and work towards. In our role as science visualizers, sometimes advocating for sustainability means illustrating the scary what-ifs (see our plastic pollution post). But on the flip side, much of our time is spent envisioning the exciting solutions that are possible with science and technology. For Science News magazine, we illustrated carbon capture technologies currently under development that may reduce global warming impacts. Read on to learn about how ocean carbon capture may help us mitigate our pollution and climate change. Looking at global temperature data from the last century gives us a warning of what is to come if we’re unable to curb the greenhouse gases added to our atmosphere.
Visualizing Carbon Capture Tech: A Step Towards Change
Presently, when considering climate change, the facts are stark. By 2030 the global temperature will likely have increased another 1.5 more degrees, leading to sea rise and more erratic, damaging weather (read about forest fires and climate change here). Frighteningly, we would feel the daily impacts even more if it weren’t for the buffering capacity of our oceans.
Up to a ⅓ of human emissions are absorbed by the ocean. Scientists and engineers think that it may be possible to increase the amount of CO2 that the ocean absorbs. Ocean carbon capture technologies are a promising way to fight climate change.
Several different ocean carbon technologies are being studied and developed, including:
Seaweed Farming:Cultivating seaweed like kelp in marine environments absorbs CO2 during photosynthesis to act as a natural carbon sink.
Iron Addition:Fertilizing ocean waters with iron particles stimulates phytoplankton growth and enhances carbon uptake and storage in the deep ocean.
Upwelling and Downwelling: Vertical ocean currents transport carbon-rich waters between surface and deep layers to stimulate biological productivity and facilitate carbon storage.
Adding Alkaline Rocks:Depositing minerals in seawater to react with CO2 encourages the formation of carbonate minerals that remove CO2 from the ocean aiding in long-term carbon storage.
Direct Carbon Capture from the water: Technologies directly capture CO2 from the ocean, which is then stored or used for different applications. With less CO2 in the ocean water, more can be absorbed from the atmosphere.
Iron Addition: Fertilizing ocean waters with iron particles to stimulate phytoplankton growth enhance carbon uptake and storage in the deep ocean, illustrated by Sayo Studio.
Seaweed Farming: Cultivating seaweed like kelp in marine environments to absorb CO2 during photosynthesis, acting as natural carbon sinks, by Sayo Studio.
Adding Alkaline Rocks: Depositing minerals in seawater to react with CO2, forming carbonate minerals that remove CO2 from the ocean and aid in long-term carbon storage, illustrated by Sayo Studio.
Upwelling and Downwelling: Vertical ocean currents transport carbon-rich waters between surface and deep layers, stimulating biological productivity and facilitating carbon storage, illustrated by Sayo Studio.
Technologies capture CO2 directly from ocean water, allowing more absorption from the atmosphere.
Looking ahead: The risks & benefits of carbon capture technology
Additionally, it’s important to remember carbon capture technology isn’t without risk . As in any complex system, carbon marine capture technologies pose risks of disrupting ocean ecosystems. Currently, tests are underway, but the large-scale applications of these technologies leave room for unexpected ramifications once fully implemented. Further, many carbon capture methods require substantial energy and resources, raising other sustainability concerns.
While ethical considerations regarding resource allocation and effectiveness also complicate their implementation, many scientists remain optimistic that carbon capture technology may be one part of the solution to mitigate climate change. The urgency of the climate crisis requires impactful science illustration and communication of advancing technologies. Science illustrations like this play a crucial role in the communication strategy for reaching a diverse audience on a worldwide issue.
Supporting climate action through impactful science illustration
We love supporting innovative solutions toward a more sustainable future, and working with publications like Science News featuring promising new technology. What are your thoughts on carbon capture? Let us know in the comments, because despite its promise, it’s not without risks. And if you have a technology that is challenging to communicate, either its technical details or its promise, let us know. Our start-to-finish communication process helps you find visual solutions that make an impact for specific projects and audiences. We’re always here to to discuss your design, illustration, or animation needs and explore the possibilities together.
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We love supporting innovative solutions toward a more sustainable future, and working with publications like Science News featuring promising new technology. What are your thoughts on carbon capture? Let us know in the comments, because despite its promise, it’s not without risks. And if you have a technology that is challenging to communicate, either its technical details or its promise, let us know. Our start-to-finish communication process helps you find visual solutions that make an impact for specific projects and audiences. We’re always here to to discuss your design, illustration, or animation needs and explore the possibilities together.