The water molecules will flow from b to a due to osmosis.
Osmosis is where water molecules will flow from a region of higher water potential to a region of lower water potential, through a selectively permeable membrane.
When the water molecule concentration is higher, it has a higher water potential top. Water potential is the tendency for them to flow to a lower region.
The net movement will stop until both sides of the solution has a same water potential.
Yes we would be able to live in cold climates.
