When I was 10, I had to write a report about photosynthesis. I was fascinated with how plants are living factories of renewable energy. I remember writing, "if plant's can make energy from sun, water and CO2 - why can't we?"
Well it seems we can. Scientists and researchers are racing to create an artificial model of photosynthesis and they're getting close to creating the key component; a catalyst that reacts to ultraviolet light.
The catalyst splits apart the stable bonds in the one emission we are so adept at making; CO2. The resulting synthesis can be harnessed to make liquid fuel - fuel that can power our cities.
The next step is to fully replicate natural photosynthesis. As of now, current test models use chemicals as the catalyst. Plants use sunlight. The new catalyst will have to react to ultraviolet light. Once that hurdle is crossed, a new chapter in our society can begin.
You see, I have a motto. It's called "the heart of smart". Our genius, ingenuity, resourcefulness and adaptability; we have all these smart tools at our disposal yet we keep failing. We can fix our problems if we would just listen to our hearts before listening to anything else.
via New Scientist
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