Abstract
Since the late nineteenth century, technical improvements in the lifestyles of societies have been accompanied by unprecedented environmental change. Scientists from various disciplines are attempting to develop a shared definition of ‘sustainability’, which includes elements from economics, environmental science and social sciences. The diverse assemblage of photosynthetic organisms grouped together as ‘the algae’ provide important organisational roles and functional ecosystem services, which could make significant contributions to the pillars of sustainable development. Phycology could play an important role in the nascent development of sustainability science.
While many of the properties and potential contributions of the algae to global issues of sustainability are evident to the scientific community, relatively few of the opportunities are economically realised. It is unfortunate that the general ‘Joe Public’ perception of most algae (both micro- and macroform), particularly in the Western nations, is negative and frequently associated with environmental problems, such as green tides or toxic, harmful algal blooms. There is a pressing need to bridge scientific knowledge and public opinions in order to help spur innovations for future health and environmental benefits and for economic prosperity.
This article gives a personal and selected overview of the significant potential for advances phycology can make towards global sustainability concerns. The outcomes of the action-oriented research project ‘The Algonauts Road’ illustrate how applied aspects of phycology can be promoted by acting at the interface between science and society.