Canadian scientists are tackling climate change, one air-sucking wall at a time

[eridani]

http://www.upworthy.com/canadian-scientists-are-tackling-climate-change-one-air-sucking-wall-at-a-time

But here's the issue: while carbon emissions have increased, our planet still absorbs the same amount of carbon dioxide, meaning that there's more in the environment than ever before (cue: global warming).
That's why a group of Canadian engineers are constructing a wall that sucks carbon dioxide right out of the air.

Yep, you read that right. Rather than letting that extra carbon dioxide hang out, these carbon engineers want to reduce the threat of climate change by absorbing CO2 molecules and creating carbon-neutral fuels.

These engineers built a prototype of the technology in Squamish, Canada, an hour's drive north of Vancouver.

Basically, the wall will be made up of a stack of cubes, each of which will function in the same way. This means that you could make a wall whatever size you choose in whatever location you choose, simply by adding more "cubes" (think of it as a giant version of a high-tech Lego wall).

How does the prototype work? First, a fan in the "air contactor" sucks in air molecules (only 1 in every 2,500 of which is CO2), which pass through the air contactor and come into contact with carbon-absorbent surfaces. Then the carbon molecules react, becoming a liquid that is eventually hardened into solid carbonate pellets (think: tiny white pebbles made of carbon). And, finally, high temperatures melt those pellets to release pure carbon dioxide, which can be used as fuel.

[KT2000]

1. This is fascinating

hope they will be able to utilize this.

[eridani]

2. I really can't figure out the accumulative effect--that is how many of these units--

--would be necessary to have a real impact. However, it is an intriguing idea. Since we have put so much CO2 in the air, why not grab as much back as we can?

[KT2000]

3. I watched the video

and they suggested using this where needed - industrial areas etc. Imagine if our freeways where traffic is slow and backed-up would have these things along the side of the freeways. I just worry that technologies such as this will take to long to get into practice.

[eridani]

4. My firewall blocked it, and my sound card is out anyway

Just got a new laptop, so hope I can get it going to see these now.

[murielm99]

5. This is wonderful! n/t