It’s common to assume that a planet made up of 70% water will never run out of the stuff, but humans can’t drink the vast majority of the water on Earth. In reality, only 3% of the world’s water is freshwater, and about two-thirds of it is in frozen glaciers or inaccessible to us.
For this reason, 3.8 billion people either lack access to water or find it scarce for at least one month of the year. Our water reserves are getting stressed, but there’s hope for the future.
Scientists and inventors are working to fight the climate crisis in many ways. In this article, we’ll look at the products you can buy or use to improve your access to clean water.
How Can You Get Involved?
Most of us aren’t climate scientists or inventors, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t things you can do to combat the water crisis. For example, you could get a degree in environmental science and water resources and work with people who are trying to fix this prevailing issue.
With that said, there are plenty of small things you can do. For example, you could use less water when you shower, install low-flow toilets, or drink water from the tap instead of buying bottled water. However, our governments hold the biggest responsibility for this problem.
If possible, petition your government to enact laws around water prices, improve irrigation and agricultural practices, recycle wastewater, and improve water catchment and harvesting.
5 Ways Scientists Are Working to Fight the Water Crisis
As we confront the ever-growing water crisis, science brings hope. Discover five remarkable methods scientists are utilizing in their quest to solve this looming issue.
1. Fog Catchers
Fog catchers may sound like something straight out of a fantasy book, but they are a real and innovative solution to the water scarcity problem. This technology is essentially large nets that catch fog droplets and collect the water as it drips down, which you can then drink safely.
It’s an effective method in coastal areas or regions with high levels of mist and fog. Several developing countries are embracing them due to their cost-efficiency and ease of installation.
With advancements on the horizon, fog harvesting could become a more widespread approach to securing freshwater resources amidst growing populations and climate change impacts.
2. Solar Powered Water Filtration
Harnessing the sun’s power for water filtration is another innovative method scientists are working on to address the water crisis. Solar-powered water filtration systems use solar energy to treat contaminated water, making it suitable for drinking or irrigation purposes.
Such solutions are highly affordable and sustainable, especially in regions with abundant sunlight. These systems require minimal maintenance and no external power sources, making them ideal for remote areas lacking infrastructure or disaster-affected areas.
3. Desalination
Desalination, the process of removing the salt from seawater to make it drinkable, is now being optimized by scientists to fight the global water crisis. Traditional desalination methods have been costly and energy-draining. That or they were too small to use on a global scale.
New research focuses on developing more efficient techniques, such as graphene-based filtration and solar-powered devices that promise cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
By optimizing this process, we can tap into the vast oceans’ potential, which covers around 70% of our planet’s surface, for a nearly limitless drinking water supply. This cutting-edge technology could prove revolutionary in addressing water scarcity globally.
4. Source Hydropanel Zero Mass Water
Another promising invention is the Source Hydropanel from Zero Mass Water. This groundbreaking system pulls water out of thin air. The Hydropanels absorb moisture from the atmosphere and, through a process driven by solar power, provide clean, drinkable water.
This decentralized approach to accessing freshwater can be especially beneficial for dry, remote areas unserved by traditional infrastructure or regions suffering regular climate-related water shortages. With such cutting-edge technology, man’s oldest problem, finding fresh drinking water, seems like a reality that isn’t far off from now.
5. The Lifestraw
The LifeStraw is an impressive solution for water scarcity that goes down to the individual level. It’s a portable, straw-like device that purifies and filters contaminated water, making it safe.
This innovation removes nearly 99.9% of waterborne bacteria, parasites, and microplastics as you sip. Especially useful in emergency situations or areas lacking clean drinking water sources, the LifeStraw has become a lifesaver for many hikers and communities in developing countries.
This technology once again emphasizes that scientific advancements hold the key to tackling global water issues effectively and sustainably. But now, the Lifestraw allows individuals to have access to clean water. This technology could completely change our lives as we know it.
In Conclusion…
As we’ve seen, robust scientific innovation is taking on the water crisis head-on. It’s not only inspiring to see these advancements, but it also sparks a call to action for us. Remember that every drop saved counts in our common mission to safeguard this life-giving resource.
Get involved wherever you can: advocate for sustainable water management, practice mindful consumption at home, or support initiatives working towards these innovative solutions.
The fight against water scarcity is everyone’s business. Together, we can turn the tide and secure safe freshwater access for all Earth’s inhabitants.
