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Harnessing Fresh Water’s Untapped Potential to Combat Climate Change



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Transforming lakes into carbon sinks while addressing harmful algal blooms for a sustainable future


Eyal Harel, Co-Founder and CEO of BlueGreen Water Technologies, stands at the forefront of a groundbreaking approach to combat the climate crisis. At the 2024 Climate & Sustainability Leadership Summit, Harel presents a transformative vision: leveraging the multi-gigaton potential of freshwater bodies as carbon sinks. His talk, "Unlocking the Multi-Gigaton Potential of Fresh Water as a Carbon Sink," focuses on using innovative technology to not only remediate harmful algal blooms (HABs) but also unlock freshwater ecosystems as powerful tools in global carbon sequestration efforts.

Harel’s work addresses a significant global problem—harmful algal blooms, a devastating ecological phenomenon that wreaks havoc on aquatic ecosystems worldwide. These toxic blooms kill marine life, poison water supplies, and devastate entire communities. "Harmful algal blooms are more than an ecological disaster; they are a public health emergency and an economic catastrophe," Harel explains. The challenge is immense, with 16 million contaminated lakes and 30 million square kilometers of ocean affected globally. However, Harel's message is clear: the solution lies in the combination of innovative science, coordinated action, and a new approach to how we view our water resources.

Transforming Fresh Water: A Two-Layer Solution

BlueGreen Water Technologies deploys a two-layered innovation to tackle both the immediate threat of harmful algal blooms and the long-term potential of freshwater ecosystems as carbon sinks. The first layer involves a patented, cutting-edge formulation that triggers a "biological chain reaction," eliminating toxic algae from the water within hours to days. This process allows non-toxic species to re-establish themselves, restoring biodiversity and rebalancing the ecosystem. "What we achieve is nothing short of an ecological transformation," Harel notes. "We eliminate the harmful algae, and in its place, we allow healthy, non-toxic species to flourish, which revitalizes the ecosystem."

The second layer of innovation focuses on the carbon sequestration capabilities of freshwater ecosystems. Algae, which are remarkably efficient at absorbing carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, hold massive potential as carbon sinks. As BlueGreen's technology eliminates harmful algae, the carbon contained within their biomass sinks to the bottom of the water body, where it is locked into the sediment. "We’re not just cleaning lakes," Harel explains. "We are actively capturing and storing carbon, turning freshwater ecosystems into critical assets in the fight against climate change."

Global Impact: Case Studies and Results

Harel presents compelling evidence from recent projects to demonstrate the effectiveness of BlueGreen’s approach. One such project in Mantua Reservoir, Utah, shows the remarkable speed and impact of their technology. Over the course of just 10 days, BlueGreen treats a 500-acre lake previously plagued by harmful algal blooms. The result: a 99% reduction in toxic algae and the removal of 13,000 tons of carbon. "To put this in perspective," Harel explains, "we generated nearly 10% of the global supply of high-quality carbon credits in just one project."

This kind of scalability, Harel argues, is what makes BlueGreen’s solution revolutionary. By deploying their technology across multiple water bodies worldwide, the potential for carbon sequestration could range from 5 to 15 billion tons annually. "Freshwater bodies have the capacity to capture carbon on an unprecedented scale," he asserts. "With the right approach, we can make a significant dent in global emissions."

Financing Sustainability: A New Model for Carbon Credits

Recognizing the need for a sustainable financial model, Harel outlines BlueGreen’s innovative approach to funding. Many communities affected by HABs cannot afford the cost of large-scale water treatment, so BlueGreen flips the model. By generating and selling carbon credits through the remediation process, BlueGreen can offer its services at no cost to underserved communities. "We’re cleaning lakes and providing safe drinking water to people who need it most, while financing the project through the carbon credits we generate," Harel explains.

The success of this model is already evident. BlueGreen’s first fully financed carbon removal project in Utah proves that the financial and environmental benefits can work hand in hand. As this model expands, BlueGreen aims to replicate its success across countries like South Africa, Israel, and Mexico. "We now have a scalable solution that addresses both water quality and carbon capture—and we can do it without relying on government subsidies or taxpayer money," Harel says.

Navigating the Carbon Market: Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the potential, Harel acknowledges that challenges remain in navigating the unregulated carbon market. "Carbon markets are still a bit of a wild west," he admits. Companies are hesitant to participate due to concerns over transparency and accountability, which has created a bottleneck in scaling solutions like BlueGreen’s. "Without a robust regulatory framework, the private sector is reluctant to invest fully in carbon removal technologies," he adds.

However, Harel sees a shift on the horizon. Countries like the European Union, Singapore, and Switzerland are beginning to implement regulatory frameworks that support and incentivize carbon removal activities. "We’re starting to see real momentum," he says. "Once governments put the right regulations in place, the private sector will follow, and we’ll be able to scale solutions like ours much more rapidly."

A Human-Centered Approach

For Harel, the impact of BlueGreen’s technology goes beyond environmental benefits. It’s about the people and communities that rely on clean water. One of BlueGreen’s most impactful projects takes place at Setumo Dam in South Africa, where toxic algal blooms had rendered the water unsafe for consumption. This lake serves as the primary drinking water source for nearly half a million people. After BlueGreen’s intervention, not only is the lake restored, but the operational costs at the local water treatment facility are reduced by 90%, thanks to decreased energy and chemical use. "The impact on the community is immediate and profound," Harel reflects. "We’re improving public health, saving money, and ensuring access to clean water for future generations."

The Path Forward

As the session draws to a close, Harel delivers a clear and urgent call to action. "We have the tools, we have the technology, and we have the business model," he declares. "Now it’s time for us to act." He emphasizes that the world can no longer afford to wait. With freshwater ecosystems offering such a powerful solution to both water contamination and carbon emissions, the path forward is clear: scale the technology, expand the carbon market, and bring clean water to communities around the world.

Harel concludes with optimism, urging businesses, governments, and communities to recognize the immense potential of freshwater as a carbon sink. "We can reverse the damage we’ve done," he says. "But it will require bold leadership, global collaboration, and a commitment to sustainability that transcends short-term profits." The stakes, as Harel makes clear, have never been higher—but neither has the opportunity for meaningful change. BlueGreen Water Technologies is pioneering the way forward, unlocking a future where clean water and carbon neutrality are within reach, and the fight against climate change gains a powerful new ally in our planet’s freshwater ecosystems.

>> WATCH THE VIDEO OF THE PRESENTATION SESSION HERE