Dr. Sara Kesic's Invention
- Dr. Sara Kesic, an aerospace engineer, has developed an eco-friendly air engine to address climate change caused by aviation.
- Her invention is an engine add-on that processes contrail emissions and converts them into liquid water.
- The technology is patented internationally and is at Technology Readiness Level 6.
- It can be integrated into existing aircraft engines and systems, allowing airlines to potentially earn revenue by selling rainfall or obtaining carbon credits.
Challenges in the Aviation Industry
- The aviation industry is dominated by a few large companies, making it difficult to implement environmental solutions due to profit concerns.
- Other environment-centric technologies, such as hybrid electric aircraft and all-electric planes, have limitations in terms of efficiency and battery technology.
Contrails and Climate Change
- Contrails, the white smoke emitted from aircraft engines, are responsible for 50% of global warming in the sky.
- Unlike carbon dioxide, contrails do not have offsets and require solutions on the aircraft and engine level.
The Importance of Action
- The speaker emphasizes the need to reset the way we think about climate change and aviation's impact on the environment.
- She highlights the importance of taking action and making an intention to bring about change, regardless of one's size or background.
