February 5, 2009 Phytoplankton: Global warming warrior Play video

(NECN: Boston, Mass.) - A tiny part of the ocean could help fight global warming.

Algae are tiny plants that live in the ocean, and these plants, through photosynthesis, are taking carbon dioxide and storing it in their bodies. When they die, they float down to the bottom of the ocean. In essence, this is removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Some scientists are considering adding iron to the ocean to try to stimulate these phytoplankton to grow.

Alexi Ernstoff of the Museum of Science in Boston joins NECN for a discussion.

Click here to visit the museum's website.