"Biomimicry" by Gabbie S.
Climate change is starting to become impossible to ignore, and scientists are exploring more and more solutions to shifting climate change in a positive direction. Though it may seem that our efforts have hit a roadblock, there are actually many different solutions being looked at for reducing, mitigating, and adapting to climate change. Drawing examples from nature, scientists and inventors have come up with brilliant new ways to combat climate change. One of these ways is to use biomimicry. Biomimicry is the technical mimicry of organic and natural functions and behaviors, and it can be used in a plethora of ways- big and small.
This recent solution is a great example of biomimicry. EcoLogicStudio, an architectural company based in London, has developed a curtain that is displayed on the sides of building complexes. These plastic curtains include zig-zagging rows that contain millions of micro-algae. The curtain acts as an incubator for this micro-algae, enabling them to undergo photosynthesis and give off oxygen as a byproduct. Last year sixteen sheets of this prototype were tested in Ireland at Dublin Castle. There they collected about two pounds of carbon dioxide from the air each day, turning it into usable, clean oxygen. That small amount of micro-algae was able to clean as much air as can about 20 large trees. Another thing these micro-algae curtains produce as a byproduct of photosynthesis is biomass. Biomass is valuable because it can either be burned as fuel or used to create bioplastics, as are used in the curtain itself. Other examples of biomimicry include airplane structure. The design of an airplane recreates the wings of a bird and the shape and structure of a shark in the water. These examples are drawn from nature to create more ergonomic technologies that can help to increase productivity and connectivity between nature and technology.
Some say these biomimicry products are not necessary because nature “does it better” and is more sustainable. The fact is, however, that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find solutions to air pollution and other environmental challenges in large urban areas where land for trees and other natural resources. According to EcoLogicStudio, this algae curtain, among other biomimicry creations, is an aesthetically pleasing merging of the “financial marketplace of cyberspace and the relative organic molecular transactions in the biosphere.” This explanation perfectly describes biomimicry and it's possible effects on the environment. It is a combination of technology and the natural environment and its behaviors that have been perfected by millions of years of evolution.
Biomimicry is important on many different levels. Not only is it important to the study of the environment and human impact on climate change, but it also helps us to create globalized technical advancements and improve conditions in dense areas. The population density of urban areas is where these biomimicry solutions are needed the most.
How can we continue to progress with technology and help the environment by mimicking our future technologies with existing natural structures and behaviors? What other kinds of biomimicry solutions do you think would be helpful in urban areas struggling with air pollution? Should we use purely organic solutions or use biomimicry to recreate natural processes? How does biomimicry influence our technology?
“What Is Biomimicry?” Biomimicry Institute, Biomimicry Institute, 2019, biomimicry.org/what-is-biomimicry/#.
Aouf, Rima Sabina. “Algae Curtain by EcoLogicStudio Traps Carbon Dioxide While Producing Oxygen.” Dezeen, Dezeen, 5 June 2019, www.dezeen.com/2018/12/10/ecologicstudio-algae-curtain-photo-synth-etica/.
Chow, Denise. “Eco-Friendly 'Algae Curtains' Could Help Curb Air Pollution in Crowded Cities.” NBCNews.com, NBCUniversal News Group, 12 Dec. 2018, www.nbcnews.com/mach/science/eco-friendly-algae-curtains-could-help-curb-air-pollution-crowded-ncna946946.
This recent solution is a great example of biomimicry. EcoLogicStudio, an architectural company based in London, has developed a curtain that is displayed on the sides of building complexes. These plastic curtains include zig-zagging rows that contain millions of micro-algae. The curtain acts as an incubator for this micro-algae, enabling them to undergo photosynthesis and give off oxygen as a byproduct. Last year sixteen sheets of this prototype were tested in Ireland at Dublin Castle. There they collected about two pounds of carbon dioxide from the air each day, turning it into usable, clean oxygen. That small amount of micro-algae was able to clean as much air as can about 20 large trees. Another thing these micro-algae curtains produce as a byproduct of photosynthesis is biomass. Biomass is valuable because it can either be burned as fuel or used to create bioplastics, as are used in the curtain itself. Other examples of biomimicry include airplane structure. The design of an airplane recreates the wings of a bird and the shape and structure of a shark in the water. These examples are drawn from nature to create more ergonomic technologies that can help to increase productivity and connectivity between nature and technology.
Some say these biomimicry products are not necessary because nature “does it better” and is more sustainable. The fact is, however, that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find solutions to air pollution and other environmental challenges in large urban areas where land for trees and other natural resources. According to EcoLogicStudio, this algae curtain, among other biomimicry creations, is an aesthetically pleasing merging of the “financial marketplace of cyberspace and the relative organic molecular transactions in the biosphere.” This explanation perfectly describes biomimicry and it's possible effects on the environment. It is a combination of technology and the natural environment and its behaviors that have been perfected by millions of years of evolution.
Biomimicry is important on many different levels. Not only is it important to the study of the environment and human impact on climate change, but it also helps us to create globalized technical advancements and improve conditions in dense areas. The population density of urban areas is where these biomimicry solutions are needed the most.
How can we continue to progress with technology and help the environment by mimicking our future technologies with existing natural structures and behaviors? What other kinds of biomimicry solutions do you think would be helpful in urban areas struggling with air pollution? Should we use purely organic solutions or use biomimicry to recreate natural processes? How does biomimicry influence our technology?
Works Cited
Aouf, Rima Sabina. “Algae Curtain by EcoLogicStudio Traps Carbon Dioxide While Producing Oxygen.” Dezeen, Dezeen, 5 June 2019, www.dezeen.com/2018/12/10/ecologicstudio-algae-curtain-photo-synth-etica/.
Chow, Denise. “Eco-Friendly 'Algae Curtains' Could Help Curb Air Pollution in Crowded Cities.” NBCNews.com, NBCUniversal News Group, 12 Dec. 2018, www.nbcnews.com/mach/science/eco-friendly-algae-curtains-could-help-curb-air-pollution-crowded-ncna946946.
I think that things such as those algae curtains are a great idea. Climate change is affecting our world more and more, and if we don't do as much as we can to help stop it the biodiversity and quality of living for future generations will be much worse. I think that people as a whole should do everything we can in order to stabilize our climate.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea! I don't see this being used very often until people really get serious about climate change. In the picture, it looks like it could be more effective, but that may have just been in the early stages of the project. This should definitely be used in cities that don't have much vegetation. It won't save the earth alone but it will definitely help.
ReplyDeleteI believe that these curtains can be very beneficial. Climate change is a very important and popular topic and these innovations are good. I believe these curtains are good, but i am not sure how much wind and storms that they can withstand without being ripped down and off the buildings. However, with a little innovation and improvement i believe that they should be put onto buildings and possibly even on vehicles. I think the organic solutions are a great way to help climate change but i do not think that organic solutions are the only way to solve this problem. I believe that more biomimicry is good and that we can benefit from things like these micro-algae curtains.
ReplyDeleteThe curtains are a terrific idea. It is crazy that these plastic things collect around two pounds of algae. You presented the problem and the possible solution very well. This will help decrease the amount of air pollution. However, only a few people in a few places doing this will not help at a global scale, but it is a start to something great.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea. Somethings need to change in city's and I believe that this would make an impact. But, there can always be more. You can never stop trying to fix the earth. We could also renewable energy to help. We can make technologies and improve existing ones to help as well.
ReplyDeleteBiomimicry is a genius idea for combatting high CO2 levels . Something about it seems really futuristic. However, it just does not seem practical to me. Even if urban people say they want to slow global warming, they most likely would not want these sheets in their city. And there is no way the actual owner of a property in a big city would want them hanging down their buildings. It is not logical for people to sacrifice their business in order to replace twenty large trees. If people think that it is a huge problem in urban places, they can either move or have their own miniature versions of biomimicry or figure out a better way to get these curtains in the cities.
ReplyDeleteThe algae curtains are a really cool idea. I can't believe that iv'e not heard of this before your blog. It could be very beneficial to the environment, especially in big cities. It really surprised me when the small amount of the algae in Ireland gave off as much oxygen as 20 large trees. That's amazing to me. Another thing that was cool is that another byproduct of the algae is biomass and the fact the it can be used as fuel and be used to make bio plastic is very useful as well. I really hope that I start to see and hear about the algae curtains a lot more.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! I think its amazing that a small amount of algae could clean as much air as 20 trees. Innovations such as this one is going to be a determining factor on if we can slow or eventually stop climate change. I hope that this becomes popular around the world and continues to become even more advanced.
ReplyDeleteI found the information on bio mimicry to be very fascinating, and believe that the algae curtains will be able to greatly benefit our climate. In reality, our climate is deteriorating more and more everyday due to man made causes like burning fossil fuels, taking our natural resources for granted and releasing too much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. We have to preserve our natural resources like trees ,that greatly benefit us, instead of overestimating their abilities. I found the information on the algae cleansing the air of as much carbon dioxide as 20 large trees to be very eye opening. I only hope the the popularity of wanting to secure our environment's health becomes more evident in the future, and we find a way to stop climate change.
ReplyDeleteI think that these curtains along with other biomimicry technology would greatly us. These curtains could benefit major pollution cities and help pull back the world's carbon footprint. If sixteen of theses curtains can soak up 20 large trees worth of carbon dioxide why wouldn't we use them. This seemingly simple idea may just be able to prevent us from ruining our planet with climate change.
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea of these curtains! Biomimicry technology seems like a fascinating idea that could really benefit our cities immensely. I found many of the information you provided very interesting. One point that stood out to me was the fact that the algae could clean the air of carbon dioxide just as much as 20 large trees could. That’s mind blowing and very beneficial to have around. I do have to agree with Daniel about many people probably not wanting the curtains hanging on their buildings but I believe it’s not a big issue and if people want to see a change and want to help the earth, that Biomimicry is something most people would want to have around.
ReplyDeleteBiomimicry has always been a part of technology in our world. The wing shapes of airplanes were modeled off of the shape of birds. I think its a great idea that scientists are trying to incorporate natural shapes into designs of modern objects in order to increase efficiency. It is also notable to see that science is being incorporated into everyday living with ideas such as the algae curtains. Even the smallest of innovations can add up to make a big change. The best way to combat climate change is with cutting edge technology and ideas.
ReplyDeleteThis would be fantastic on our world. Its neat to know what our technology has been mimicked by animals. This could be really beneficial to our world. Other kinds of biomimicry solutions that would be helpful in urban areas struggling with air pollution is larger air purifiers. Biomimicry influence technology by getting ideas from animals, and sea life, or even plants.
ReplyDeleteThe idea behind the curtains is one I find unique, and this entire subject definitely requires action. The concerning part to me is that, although they have seemed to have proven to be a good solution at a small scale, how would they suffice at a global scale? Would they be efficient enough to deafen most of the air pollution? Would they be economical and efficient to deploy at this scale? I guess that's a question that can't be answered right now, but all in all biomimicry is something we definitely need to broaden our research in, as it seems to be an answer for many of the problems facing the world and the environment right now.
ReplyDelete