While reading about growing trends affecting a sustainable future, you’ve probably encountered articles warning of adverse ocean warming and acidification patterns. The issues affect marine life and risk the biodiversity of some of the world’s largest bodies of water. However, greenhouse gas emissions — including those linked to fossil fuel usage — are among the biggest contributors to these problems. Could renewable energy and related technologies ease the pressures on sea life?
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Reducing fossil fuel dependence could meaningfully improve these worrying ocean-related trends. Increased demands from concerned citizens who care about the planet and its oceans should encourage authorities to act faster than they otherwise might.
One possibility might be to use oceans to accelerate renewable energy transitions. A 2025 study revealed coastal areas in South Africa and eastern Florida as among the best places for capturing kinetic energy from currents and finding new renewable sources. The data indicated locations in those sites had power densities surpassing 2,500 watts per square meter, equivalent to 2.5 times more energy than places identified as excellent wind farm candidates.
Offshore wind farms already show the promising feasibility of ocean-located renewable sites. However, this study’s angle provides an additional possibility that taps into natural forces. The more people learn about diverse options, the easier it will be to focus on those with the most potential.
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Jane Marsh, Environmental Protection, 12 August 2025. Full article.
