Congratulations to our winning student team, Plethora
Students Mehak, Tirushi and Parvi from India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka studying in the UAE, beat hundreds of entries to win the student Climate Change Challenge 2024.
The winning students delivered a high-energy presentation, pitching an innovative solution to water waste and irrigation in agriculture. They impressed us with thorough understanding of the challenge they seek to tackle, analysis and market research.
Filtering sludge and reducing CO2 emissions
Team: Mehak, Parvi and Tirushi
From India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, studying at The Cambridge High School in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Their climate change challenge solution:
Plethora Eco-Harvest's solution filters sludge through a vortex and a zeolite media to remove ammonia and metals. It reduces CO2 emissions by adding potassium carbonate, which turns into potassium bicarbonate, creating a dual benefit for waste management and environmental health.
And well done to our two runners-up
Saving the pollinators to save the crops
Team: Sangho, Sophia, Edward, Grace and Aiden
From the USA and South Korea, studying at various US schools
Their climate change challenge solution:
Varroa mite-infected bees reduce crop yield by 15-30%. The BeCure team developed an app to detect the mites in bee colonies that may prevent the transmission earlier on, significantly reducing the harm they inflict upon honeybee population and thus potentially increasing global agricultural yields by up to 20%.
Using biodegradable gel in agriculture
Team: Aiman, Angelina, Jia, İdil and Cindy
From the USA, China and Turkey, studying at various US schools
Their climate change challenge solution:
HydroCure's approach minimises water scarcity by producing a biodegradable gelatin that releases water and nutrients as soil dries. This slow-release mechanism helps maintain healthy crops in arid conditions, reducing the need for frequent irrigation and therefore conserving water in agriculture.
Honorary mention
Well done to our other finalists:
Tackling plastics in the oceans, one catch at time
Team: Ashraf, Andressa, Aya, Boushra and Rim
From Lebanon and Brazil, studying at Rashaya Public High School, Lebanon
Their climate change challenge solution:
Using devices fitted with solar panels, nets, sensors and other kit, Liquid Sparks' sea robots track and collect rubbish and debris on the surface of the water. The additional app allows you to track and trouble-shoot devices, see real-time data and share reports, insights and sustainability ideas.
Farming with vapour to combat drought
Team: Audrey, Elisa, Liam, Rachel and Youran
Students from China and Canada, studying at UWC Atlantic, Llantwit Major, Wales, United Kingdom
Their climate change challenge solution:
Team TerraVapour has developed an innovative method to support farming in arid regions by using water vapour capture to irrigate crops. This method helps conserve water and enables agriculture in areas suffering from extreme drought, boosting food security in regions affected by climate change.