DECO₂:

Scalable Biological Systems for Heat Adaptation and Carbon Sequestration

A research-led initiative developing self-replicating plant systems for climate resilience in high-heat, high-humidity environments.

Spanish moss thallus (Tillandsia usneoides), SEM

Image: Tillandsia usneoides, scanning electron micrograph, magnification: x26, source: Dennis Kunkel Microscopy.

Problem Statement:

Climate adaptation technology disproportionately benefits developed nations and communities. Rural and low-income populations remain largely unprotected against heat waves, wet bulbs, and other global warming conditions. Adaptation strategies often rely on electricity, technical skill, or centralised infrastructure that these communities lack. Below are the 3 primary problem areas this project looks to solve:

Wet Bulb Globe Temperature

The intensity of heatwaves is increasing, leading to higher WBGT values, which is dangerous for humans. These values vary across locations, with the outcome being the same for animals within these zones.

Degraded Land Expanding Globally

Over 25% of the Earth’s land is now considered degraded, affecting food production, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. These areas often lack sufficient organic material or moisture to support reforestation or natural regeneration.

CO₂ Emissions Remain High

Global CO₂ emissions continue to rise. In 2023, emissions reached an all-time high of over 36.8 billion metric tonnes (IEA, 2024). The result is ongoing atmospheric accumulation of greenhouse gases, contributing to long-term climate instability.

Solution Hypothesis:

I hypothesize that Tillandsia usneoides can be deployed at scale to passively sequester atmospheric carbon, propagate without human intervention, and contribute to microclimate stabilisation in degraded or infrastructure-limited environments. Its capacity for vegetative fragmentation, high surface-area biomass, and survival in extreme heat and humidity conditions make it a strong candidate for passive, biologically driven climate adaptation infrastructure.

Wet Bulb Globe Temperature

The intensity of heatwaves is increasing, leading to higher WBGT values, which is dangerous for humans. These values vary across locations, with the outcome being the same for animals within these zones.

Degraded Land Expanding Globally

Over 25% of the Earth’s land is now considered degraded, affecting food production, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. These areas often lack sufficient organic material or moisture to support reforestation or natural regeneration.

CO₂ Emissions Remain High

Global CO₂ emissions continue to rise. In 2023, emissions reached an all-time high of over 36.8 billion metric tonnes (IEA, 2024). The result is ongoing atmospheric accumulation of greenhouse gases, contributing to long-term climate instability.

Proposed Approach:

This project will evaluate the performance, limitations, and deployment potential of T. usneoides across different environmental conditions. The research will focus on quantifying its carbon fixation capacity, replication rate, and ecological boundaries in both lab and field settings. We will also test modular deployment methods—such as vertical mesh scaffolds—to determine optimal strategies for scaling, propagation, and long-term system stability without irrigation, soil, or ongoing labor.

Functional Performance Assessment

Measure carbon uptake per unit biomass, moisture retention, and cooling effects
Track replication via natural fragmentation and reattachment
Compare growth under variable light, heat, humidity, and wind conditions

Environmental Compatibility and Constraints

Determine viability in semi-arid, high-heat, or degraded zones
Assess limits of UV, temperature, and wind exposure
Analyze risk of ecological disruption and containment strategies

System Deployment and Scaling

Trial structured deployment models (e.g., mesh fences, suspended grids)
Explore selective pollination or genetic strategies to improve growth rate, environmental tolerance, and carbon absorption efficiency

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Project

Developing a simple, scalable biological system to help people adapt to extreme heat and rising carbon levels. Focus on low-tech, self-replicating solutions that can be deployed in urban and rural communities.

Concept

DECO₂ is an initiative I founded to explore scalable biological solutions to heat and carbon stress. I’m currently building early-stage partnerships with researchers and institutions who share this vision.

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