A concept design for the 2016 Olympics by the Swiss architecture firm RAFAA, the waterfall aims to create a carbon-neutral Olympic event through the use of solar power by drawing seawater up pumps that will then be released at the top, and thus generate electricity. In an attempt to recreate Rio de Janeiro into a green city of the future, the solar waterfall plans to help reduce energy costs and focus the city's efforts on an environmental sustainability approach by recycling the use of natural resources. 

"After hosting the United Nation's Earth Summit in 1992, Rio de Janeiro will once again be the starting point for a global green movement and for a sustainable development of urban structures."

A majestic design. A humanitarian effort. 

But, looking at this design, it inextricably begs the question: how is a 300+ foot tower of water going to help this situation?

After the first time I watched Fernando Meirelles' City of God a few years ago, I googled the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. Here's a summary:

• About 1.3 millon people lives in the approximate 750 favelas in Rio de Janeiro.
• Favelas are largely impacted by drug-related crime and gang warfare -- in fact, most favelas are run by cocaine drug lords; in each community exists a boca de fumo where drugs are openly sold with no disrection.
• The rich and the poor live side-by-side; multiple shanty towns are juxtaposed with large, extravagant mansions right next door.
• The distribution of wealth in Brazil is one of the most unequal in the world: 10 percent of the population owns around 80 percent of the wealth.

• Five days in the favela: 'I know what it feels like to rob because of hunger.' - Pastor Nininho