W2: My Invention to Save the Earth

Identify Problem

The ocean is the heart of the planet but the sheer amount of plastic dumped into it is taking its toll. Not only is the ocean shrinking because of plastic, it is also getting degraded through acidification and coral bleaching. Coral bleaching occurs when corals are stressed, mainly due to rising ocean temperatures. This causes them to expel the algae (zooxanthellae) that live inside their tissues and provide them with color and food. Without the algae, corals turn white and lose their main source of nutrition.

Bleached corals are not immediately dead, but they become weak and more vulnerable to disease and starvation. If the stress continues for more than eight weeks, the corals may die.

This affects entire marine ecosystems, as coral reefs support thousands of species. Large-scale bleaching can lead to the collapse of these ecosystems, reducing biodiversity and harming fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection.

Figure 1: Difference of normal coral and coral bleaching

Figure 2: The surface of the sea is covered with plastic waste

In order to maintain “balance,” we cannot just stop throwing plastic in the ocean. We need to innovate our way out of this mess. This is where the concept of Auraleaf comes in.

Invention

Auraleaf is a fictitious AI backed invention that consists of drones shaped in jellyfish which float on top and below the ocean surface. Each individual drone would function as a vaccum cleaner as well as a healer towards the ocean and would aid in reversing the damages done. Each unit is made out solar powered and bio-degradable materials.

The gentle motion of jellyfish and lotus leaves combined with the use of the name “aura” provides the idea of nature’s resilience which aligns with the goals of auraleaf. To power the Auraleaf drones, the top collects sunlight while the bottom skirt collects seawater filtering out micro plastics as well as debris. Internally the drones are able to store the waste that they collect and balance out the ocean's PH level by releasing alkaline particles which reduces acidification.

Auraleaf is equipped with more capabilities than a simple passive device. It’s an intelligent, modular system designed to operate efficiently across wide swathes of ocean. Each unit supports adaptive sensors with navigation AI, which permits them to detect and circumvent pollution hotspots. In high-density pollution zones, multiple Auraleafs work in formation, communicating wirelessly and creating dynamic cleanup grids. This collective intelligence enhances their effectiveness while preventing overlap. 

To sustainably integrate Auraleaf within existing ecosystems, it is embedded within a larger eco-infrastructure. These systems operate alongside floating solar-powered platforms called AureDocks. These serve as refueling, repairing, and data collecting stations. When an Auraleaf is about to reach full capacity, it signals to the nearest AureDock where waste can be offloaded. In exchange, recharge, and receive software updates or part replacements through automated arms. Periodically, cleanup vessels retrieve the waste from AureDocks to transport for recycling on land. 

Combined with the removal of permanently storing waste, amputating soft plastics with special enzymes helps Auraleaf heal the seas. Thus, in combination with Aureleaf 2.0, these enzymes would drastically increase efficiency when integrated into biological chambers.

Figure 3: Diagram of Auraleaf (generated by AI)

How It works?

Auraleaf operates with the support of marine conservation NGOs, government support, and citizen donations. The entire Auraleaf fleet can be tracked on a global open-access map. In classrooms, Auraleaf models are used to teach children oceanography and sustainability.  

The impact these technologies have is massive. In simulations, 500 drones in the Pacific Ocean are able to extract 80 tons of plastic per month while improving coral reef pH balance over five years. In previously lifeless regions, marine life starts to slowly return. Fishermen are able to catch fish again, and coastal communities begin to flourish.  

Importance

Auraleaf aims to solve plastic pollution and ocean acidification, both caused by overconsumption, climate change, and toxic runoff. Without action, marine biodiversity will be wiped out along with the food supply for over a billion people.  

This is exactly why innovation is paramount. Change cannot come from speeches or shaming people. We need innovative, scalable, and scientifically-grounded solutions that transcend borders and generations.  

Although Auraleaf is a fictional project, its essence represents reality. If we dare to envision solutions, then something is possible. Innovation encompasses much more than technology or machinery; it embodies hopes and dreams.

References

Plastic pollution: facts & figures - Surfers Against Sewage. (n.d.). Surfers Against Sewage. https://www.sas.org.uk/plastic-pollution/plastic-pollution-facts-figures/

What is coral bleaching? (2025, March 27). Great Barrier Reef Foundation. https://www.barrierreef.org/news/explainers/what-is-coral-bleaching