shelby thomas is a junior at the university of florida studying marine science and microbiology. she heard of planet forward’s storyfest 2016 through the challenge 2050 director, anthony adenoro. for her submission, shelby created a video that focused on reversing global warming through the creation of a device that would orbit the planet collecting greenhouse gases.

we asked her a few questions to learn more about her entry.

q: what is your innovation? describe it for those who have never heard of it.

a: this innovation combines chemistry, physics and engineering to create a potential filter device that can help decrease greenhouse gases to a normal healthy state that promotes optimal conditions for life on earth.

q: what was your inspiration behind this innovation? how did you come up with this idea?

a: my inspiration for the idea came to me when i was sitting in a seminar about beach renourishment. i was listening to all the problems we are facing not only in our oceans but around the globe. i became curious and turned my curiosity to problem solving … i knew in order to help a lot of our problems we must not only stop the addition of greenhouse gases, but begin to decrease them as well.

q: what was the process behind creating your submission? why did you choose to communicate your innovation through this video format?

a: i applied because i (met) the wonderful director of challenge 2050 and he suggested that i apply for one world … i presented my idea here at the one world event at uf. i decided to share my idea because i truly want this to happen to help better our world. i choose this video format because it was easier for me to voice my idea.

q: why is this innovation so important to you? why do you think it is one of the most essential methods to help sustainable cities?

a: this innovation is certainly important to me because i see true value in the health of our planet and i truly believe that we can begin to fix the damage we have caused it just takes the right steps to get there.

(editor’s note: answers edited for grammar and spelling.)