China faces power cuts, synthetic trees inventions can improve access to drinking water

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China's factories are faced with rising demand but these factories are unable to produce enough as they don't have enough power. China is keen on keeping its carbon emissions under control. So Chinese coal power stations are not allowed to increase power output in keeping with the rising demand. Chinese factories, as a result, are working fewer hours. Global supply chains involving phones, laptops, leather shoes, or textiles are likely to be impacted.

Scientists from Virginia Tech have developed a synthetic tree that uses the same capillary action of plants to pull water from beneath the ground. The UN estimates that over 2.2 billion people do not have access to clean drinking water, across the globe. This synthetic tree could solve some of this problem by helping people pull clean water from aquifers below. For people close to the coasts, or with salty water below, this device comes with a membrane that separates the dissolved salt, and only sends clean drinking water up.

As part of the UN's Climate Week and trillion trees by 2030 target, you can contribute your bit by planting trees. For more information, please click here

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