Surviving in Snowpiercer: Breathing, Drinking, and Eating Without Conventional Resources

The survival instincts of the characters in Snowpiercer are a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. In this post-apocalyptic world, the train functions as both a lifeline and a microcosm of society, showcasing how its inhabitants manage to survive without air, food, and water.

Breathing in a Closed Environment

Despite the closed nature of the train, the protagonist standard of breathing is maintained through advanced air filtration systems. Snowpiercer features a highly specialized environment where air quality is constantly monitored and filtered to ensure that the passengers can breathe clean air. These systems work in conjunction with the train’s infrastructure, which is designed to maintain a steady supply of breathable air even in the absence of direct outside air intake.

Accessing Potable Water

Water is another critical resource in a world where conventional sources are scarce. According to the movie, water consumption is managed through a combination of recycling and efficient distribution systems. The train uses advanced techniques to condense moisture from the air to produce drinkable water. Additionally, during the colder months, the train captures and processes snow and ice, turning them into clean water supplies. These methods ensure that the lower classes have access to water, albeit in the form of the protein blocks mentioned, which are rich in moisture and nutrients necessary for hydration.

Feeding the Population

The food sources in Snowpiercer are varied and thoughtfully crafted to sustain the diverse population. The lower classes primarily consume protein blocks made from insects, which are environmentally sustainable and nutritious alternatives to conventional meat. This diet is supplemented with cryo-compost, a method used to break down organic waste into rich fertilizers, promoting the growth of plants in the train’s vertical farms. The upper classes, on the other hand, have access to food grown in on-train gardens and, according to the movie, may also enjoy meat from animals bred within the train’s controlled ecosystems.

Sustaining Agriculture and Livestock

The sustainability of these agricultural and livestock practices is a critical aspect of the train’s operations. The environment within the train is carefully controlled to prevent soil infertility. Advanced soil nutrient management systems ensure that the soil remains fertile and productive, allowing for the cultivation of a wide range of crops. Additionally, the train has a supply of plant nutrients, potentially lasting for a hundred years, and these are replenished as needed to maintain the soil’s health. The train’s infrastructure also includes intermittent systems that monitor and adjust the nutrient levels in the soil, further ensuring its sustainability.

Conclusion

The survival methods depicted in Snowpiercer highlight the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the train’s inhabitants. Through advanced air filtration, water conservation, and sustainable food production, the characters manage to thrive in a challenging environment. These practices not only sustain the population but also highlight the importance of innovation and collaboration in ensuring human survival in extreme conditions.