Living in polluted Chiang Rai inspires teen to invent green tech
A 15-year-old student from Gainesville International School in Chiang Rai province, Phiyachon "Anthony" Phumwiphat, has caused a stir with his invention of green technology to reduce carbon emissions in the air .
The US$100-million "XPRIZE Carbon Removal" competition aims to tackle the biggest threat facing humanity, by fighting climate change and rebalancing the Earth’s carbon cycle. The competition was launched by co-founder and CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink and The Boring Company Elon Musk.
Anthony had posted a video clip on YouTube on February 3, proposing his invention to Musk on changing carbon dioxide into pure hydrogen and oxygen, which can be used as fuel. (Watch Anthony's video clip here).
In an interview, he gives insights into his invention.
Q: What inspired you to propose your invention to Elon Musk?
A: I decided to propose the invention because I live in Chiang Rai where air pollution is a serious problem.
Q: Why are you interested in tackling air pollution?
A: Because I really want to solve the problem.
Q: Do you have a plan to further develop your invention?
A: I want to further develop my invention as it is still only a prototype.
Q: Do you have any words of encouragement for those who want to propose inventions to improve our world?
A: I think everyone can do it, so what they need to do is just be brave.