Ep 5. Fog Catchers
- October 28, 2017
In the episode "Fog Catchers" from season 4 of Innovation Nation, the team explores an innovative solution for water scarcity in remote areas. The focus of the episode is on fog-catching technology, which aims to capture water droplets from fog and convert them into usable water for drinking, agriculture, and other purposes.
The episode begins with host Mo Rocca introducing the concept of fog-catching and the importance of this technology in areas where access to clean water is limited. The first segment of the episode takes viewers to the fog-catching station in Tojquia, Guatemala, where people have traditionally relied on rainwater collection for their water supply. The fog-catching station, which consists of large nets which trap the water droplets from the fog, has been a game-changer for the local community, providing them with a reliable source of clean water.
Next, the episode visits the Tongaat-Hulett Sugar mill in South Africa, where a similar fog-catching technology is being used to address water shortages caused by drought. The team speaks with engineers and scientists who developed this technology, which involves using specially designed mesh nets to capture fog droplets, which are then collected in underground tanks and used to irrigate crops and feed the local population.
The third segment of the episode focuses on the technological innovations that are making fog-catching even more effective and efficient. The team visits the FogQuest research center in Canada, where scientists are exploring new materials and designs for fog-catching nets, and developing advanced sensors and monitoring systems to optimize the process of water collection.
Finally, the episode concludes with a look at the potential future applications of fog-catching technology. The team visits a company in Chile that is exploring the use of fog-catching technology to extract water from the air in high-altitude deserts, where temperatures plummet at night, creating dense fog cover. This technology could potentially be used to support agriculture and ecosystems in these harsh environments, and even to create new sources of renewable energy.
Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning visuals of foggy landscapes and diverse communities around the world, as well as expert commentary from scientists, engineers, and other experts in the field. By the end of the episode, viewers will have a deeper understanding of the potential of fog-catching technology, and the vital role it can play in addressing water scarcity around the world.
