The following submission statement was provided by /u/lughnasadh:

Submission Statements

The potential losses of existing freshwater supplies are one of the most terrifying aspects of climate change. The River Po in Italy has severely shrunk, as the snow in the Alps that feeds it, is becoming less and less due to climate change.

If that were to happen to the rivers the Himalayas feed, in India, China & SE Asia, it would be a far worse disaster.

It's hopeful to see credible tech solutions like this. As the technology works best in the sub-tropics, it could be powered by solar or wind.

Please reply to OP's comment here: https://old.reddit.com/r/Futurology/comments/zx9j0b/uiuc_researchers_propose_a_new_way_to_get_fresh/j1z0fz1/