Discover Climate Pathfinder: Driving Ocean Entrepreneurship for a Sustainable Future | Duke Today

Growing up in the stunning landscapes of northern New Mexico, Duke MBA student Eliza Harrison developed a deep love for the outdoors. She enjoyed skiing, hiking, and kayaking, which shaped her view of the world.

However, living close to the Santa Fe National Forest also meant witnessing the harsh realities of climate change. This mix of passion for nature and concern for the environment fueled her commitment to sustainability. Her journey has taken her from California to the Carolinas and across the globe, including Mexico and the Faroe Islands.

At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke, Harrison studied environmental health science, focusing on the link between climate science and human health. Her interest in storytelling led her to explore how narratives can inspire environmental action.

A turning point came when she attended the Bioneers Conference in California. There, she learned about the potential of seaweed in tackling carbon emissions and improving food security. “It was a lightbulb moment,” she shared. This sparked her curiosity about seaweed as a climate solution.

She dove into research with Duke scientists, studying local seaweed species. This hands-on experience led her to Scandinavia, where she worked with Ocean Rainforest in the Faroe Islands. “I heard ‘no’ so many times,” she recalled, but persistence paid off when she landed an opportunity to work in seaweed harvesting and processing.

Seaweed is a versatile resource, with potential benefits for carbon mitigation and more. Harrison co-founded a startup, Phyta, to explore seaweed farming in North Carolina. Although the startup didn’t last, it reinforced her belief in the seaweed industry’s promise.

After leaving Phyta, Harrison returned to Ocean Rainforest as the first U.S.-based employee, helping to launch operations in California. She played a key role in securing the first U.S. permit for seaweed aquaculture, a process requiring 18 months of tireless effort.

While pursuing her MBA, Harrison has been active in initiatives that bridge her passion for oceans and business. Dan Vermeer, a faculty member at Fuqua, highlighted her impact: “Eliza has grown interest in the Oceans@Duke community and engaged an impressive network of ocean leaders.”

Her expertise spans the seaweed supply chain from cultivation to product development. Harrison believes that while there is no one-size-fits-all solution to climate change, seaweed can significantly contribute to a sustainable future. It holds potential not merely as a climate solution but as a catalyst for innovation, including habitat restoration and bioplastics.

Recent data shows that the global seaweed market is projected to grow significantly, reaching nearly $20 billion by 2026. This growth underscores the increasing recognition of seaweed’s potential, not just for food but for a wide range of sustainable products.

In the face of climate change, efforts like Harrison’s highlight the importance of innovative thinking in finding solutions. As she puts it, “I believe seaweed can play a powerful role in building a more sustainable, regenerative future.”



Source link