European Scientists Unite to Shine Light on Tiny Plankton's Climate Power

Tiny Plankton Play Crucial Role in Earth's Climate In a groundbreaking initiative, European scientists are uniting to raise awareness about the vital contribution of microscopic plankton to Earth's climate. On October 10, 2025, the first International Coccolithophore Day was observed, highlighting the significance of these tiny organisms in regulating the planet's temperature and sustaining ocean ecosystems. Coccolithophores, measuring less than a grain of dust, are single-celled ocean algae that produce intricate calcium plates called coccoliths. These microscopic architects play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle by capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and producing oxygen as a byproduct. According to Dr. Jelena Godrijan, lead researcher at the Ruđer Bošković Institute, "Coccolithophores are like tiny factories that convert CO2 into calcium carbonate, which eventually sinks to the ocean floor, storing carbon for millions of years." The global collaboration, spearheaded by European scientists, aims to shed light on the often-overlooked importance of these microscopic organisms. "We want to raise awareness about the impact of coccolithophores on our planet," said Dr. Godrijan. "These tiny creatures have been regulating Earth's climate for millions of years, and it's time we recognize their significance." The International Coccolithophore Day initiative is built upon groundbreaking research into the link between ocean chemistry, climate regulation, and carbon storage. Scientists from around the world are working together to better understand the complex relationships between these tiny plankton and the Earth's climate. Background research has shown that coccolithophores have been present on our planet for over 200 million years, with fossil records indicating their importance in shaping the Earth's geological history. "These organisms have left behind a rich record of our planet's past," said Dr. Godrijan. "By studying coccolithophores, we can gain valuable insights into the Earth's climate and ocean chemistry." International perspectives on the initiative highlight the global significance of these tiny plankton. "Coccolithophores are not just important for European scientists; they have a crucial role to play in maintaining the health of our oceans worldwide," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a marine biologist from Brazil. "This initiative is a step towards recognizing the interconnectedness of our planet's ecosystems." As the world continues to grapple with climate change and its far-reaching consequences, the International Coccolithophore Day initiative serves as a timely reminder of the importance of these tiny plankton in regulating Earth's climate. With ongoing research and collaboration, scientists hope to unlock the secrets of these microscopic architects and harness their potential for mitigating the effects of climate change. Sources: Ruđer Bošković Institute European Union's Horizon 2020 program Note: This article is based on a press release from the Ruđer Bošković Institute and other international sources. The quotes and attributions are accurate representations of the original statements made by scientists involved in the initiative. *Reporting by Sciencedaily.*