The Conference of Parties (COP) is the decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that has been meeting for nearly 30 years.  It is one of the largest annual international meetings, bringing together almost every country from around the globe for annual climate summits, but many believe that this is the world’s last chance to stall runaway climate change. 

Mike Williamson will be representing Cascadia Seaweed at this prestigious conference, and will participate in a Pitch Session on November 5 specifically about seaweed alongside Vincent Doumeizel, Senior Advisor United Nations Global Compact who will be speaking on behalf of the Safe Seaweed Coalition.

“We are honoured to accept this speaking opportunity and travel to Glasgow to attend COP26,” says Williamson. “This is an opportunity to share our view from the ground, or, the ocean, in this case.” 

Williamson recalled a recent trip to a Cascadia Seaweed farm site in Barkley Sound where a once dormant inlet is now full of life, from otters and sea lions, to eagles, herons, gulls and even bears on the beach. He mentioned that there were native species of seaweed growing on the farm returning to a once barren area, and their underwater cameras documented fish seeking protection in the planted kelp. 

“We know that cultivating seaweed in the ocean is regenerative, provides essential habitat and sequesters carbon.  It is also a business that can be very profitable for stakeholders, shareholders, and planet Earth,” says Williamson. “We know that responsibly cultivated seaweed can be a nature-based climate solution addressing a multitude of Sustainable Development Goals including Life Below Water, Climate Action, Good Health and Wellbeing, and Decent Work and Economic Growth. This is our opportunity, on behalf of the global seaweed revolution, to inspire world leaders with the potential positive impact of this humble natural resource.”