Microbiologists Join the Climate Change Fight: A Call for Inclusion at COP28

Microbiologists are stepping forward to claim their crucial role in the fight against climate change, as the unseen warriors working behind the scenes. At the forefront of this movement is Shady Amin from New York University Abu Dhabi, advocating for the recognition of microorganisms‘ significant impact on the environment at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai.

Source: New Scientist/YouTube

Traditionally, Climate change discussions have been dominated by physicists, chemists, and atmospheric scientists, leaving microbiologists on the sidelines. This is about to change. Microorganisms, which form the base of the world’s food chains, play a dual role in climate change – producing and absorbing methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide. Despite their vital role, these tiny but mighty organisms are not currently represented in climate models.

To address this gap, groups like the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) and the International Society for Microbial Ecology (ISME) are actively working to raise awareness among policymakers. They plan to send coordinated delegations to future climate summits, including COP29. Marine scientist Raquel Peixoto, representing ICRS and ISME at COP28, emphasizes that changing microbiomes due to human influences have pathogenic impacts on us and the planet. Her research on probiotics for coral reefs is a prime example of how microbes can be part of the solution.

Lisa Stein, an environmental microbiologist at the University of Alberta, is calling for more attention to microbes’ roles in producing and consuming methane. Methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, is significantly influenced by microbial activities in cows’ guts, rice paddies, manure piles, and landfills.

The ASM is also actively involved, recently publishing a report suggesting scientific solutions for methane control, like developing methane-eating microbes or engineering cow gut microbiomes to produce less gas. Their lobbying efforts extend to discussing the economic value of ecosystem services provided by microbes with members of the US Congress.

At COP28, Amin’s goal is to highlight the central role of marine microbes in maintaining the ocean’s carbon cycle and biodiversity. His message is clear: the shrinking habitat of phytoplankton, vital for carbon uptake and ocean food chains, signals impending trouble.

In summary, microbiologists are pushing for a seat at the climate policy table, emphasizing that effective Climate change mitigation must include these invisible yet powerful organisms. Their involvement could be a game-changer in global efforts to combat climate change.

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