AsiaOne’s EarthOne: Turning the Planet into a Better Home
AsiaOne has rolled out EarthOne, a fresh beat dedicated to everything eco‑friendly—because we’re all about that planet love and a sprinkle of science.
Who’s Behind the Miracle‑Machine?
The star of this story is Enrique Veiga—a spry 82‑year‑old engineer from Spain who turned a crushing drought into a life‑saving breakthrough.
From Drought to Dream
- Hard‑hit 1990s during a down‑pour‑less spell in southern Spain.
- Idea sparked: pull fresh water out of the air itself.
- Result: built Aquaer, a neat gizmo that turns dry air into safe, drinkable H₂O.
Mission: Water for the Needy
Veiga’s goal? “It’s all about helping people.” He’s aimed the tech at places that have had long, painful shortages—think refugee camps and other water‑starved communities.
What’s the Scoop?
- Nairobi & Namibia: Aquaer vessels are filling glasses with clean, sparkling water.
- Lebanon: A bustling refugee camp now has a steady water source thanks to the device.
- Local reaction: “We can’t believe where the water’s coming from!”—vets in Namibia were baffled until they tasted the river in a bottle.
Why This Is a Game‑Changer
Not only does it provide a fresh water solution without digging deep wells, but it’s also a step toward water‑security in the most desperate corners of the globe.
How To Dive Into More EarthOne Stories
Feel the buzz? Check out headlines like “Water From the Sky” or “Aquaer’s Air‑Water Hack”—and keep your eyes open for chances to help the Earth thrive.
<img alt="" data-caption="Spanish Aquaer company engineer and inventor, Enrique Veiga (bottom), 82, checks a machine which he invented to extract drinking water from thin air ahead of its first start-up, in Carrion de los Cespedes, near Seville, Spain, on July 28, 2021.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”8db59020-a399-4318-ba2c-dfcde8ee0e8f” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210805_watersupply_reuters.jpg”/>
Water from Air: A New Dawn in 40 °C Heat
Ever wondered if you could turn a hot desert breeze into a refreshing glass of water? Here’s how it’s happening.
Electric‑Powered Evaporation Magic
- Cooling the air with electricity until it drops to liquid form, exactly like how an air‑conditioning unit pulls moisture out of the room.
- Unlike other water‑generating gadgets that need a moist, chill environment, this tech works best even when it’s up to 40 °C with 10‑15 % humidity.
From Tiny Trolleys to Heavy‑Duty Plants
- Small units produce 50‑75 litres a day and can be carried like a mini drip‑con snowmobile.
- Large models get the job done—up to 5,000 litres daily—making them perfect for farms or refugee camps.
So, next time you’re stuck in a heatwave, just remember that a clever gadget could be turning the very air you’re breathing into a splash of water.
<img alt="" data-caption="Spanish Aquaer company engineer and inventor, Enrique Veiga, 82, poses after checking the first start-up of a machine (back) which he invented to extract drinking water from thin air, in Carrion de los Cespedes, near Seville, Spain, on July 28, 2021.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”6da38fb5-81be-4b4d-8bc9-8eba88a3ec75″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210805_watersupply2_reuters.jpg”/>
From Lebanese Camps to Solar‑Powered Rivers: The Story of Water Inception
When Caroline Veiga talks about her new device, she’s not just dreaming about engineering brilliance. She’s picturing a tool that can be carried around the world, easing the heavy hands of people who have to trek miles to fetch water. “Our idea is not only to make a device that is effective, but also useful for those who have to walk for miles to fetch water or make wells,” Veiga explains.
Enter Nhat Vuong: A Swiss‑Walls‑The‑World‑In‑Hands Hero
Veiga met Nhat Vuong in 2017 while he was visiting a refugee camp near Tripoli, Lebanon. Nhat, a Vietnamese refugee who’s now based in Switzerland, felt an instant connection to the mission. He went on to create the non‑profit Water Inception—a name that feels like it could birth rivers in the desert.
What the Non‑Profit Actually Does
- Flipped a 500‑liter‑per‑day machine into service at one of Lebanon’s most desperate camps.
- Helped residents scrabble from sun‑bleached wells to a steady flow of water.
- Extends support for families that would otherwise hike across barren plains.
“It’s working beautifully, I’m really happy,” Nhat breathes out, eyes shining with relief and gratitude. That little phrase sounds like a promise that the future will be less grueling.
Next Stop: Solar Energy—Because Electricity Has a Budget Too
To keep the good news going, Nhat is raising funds for solar panels. Solar power will slash the cost of electricity, making the operation greener and cheaper. The plan is simple: let the sun do the heavy lifting, and let the community thrive.
Why This Matters
- Reduces the environmental impact of the water‑making process.
- Lower electricity costs mean more resources for the camps.
- Empowers refugees with reliable water—no more burning dreams into a fire‑pit.
From a camp in Tripoli to a vision of sun‑powered, self‑sustaining water, the work of Veiga and Nhat shows that a little collaboration can spark huge change—no “let’s try” required!
