Is fusion our best hope for the climate? Experts are celebrating a remarkable milestone. But not everyone is convinced that nuclear is the safest way forward.
Scientists hail stunning nuclear breakthrough
Is fusion our best hope for the climate? Experts are celebrating a remarkable milestone. But not everyone is convinced that nuclear is the safest way forward.
What's happening?
The year is 2041. It has been 20 years since the nuclear fusion revolution. It is a bright evening in London. People zoom around on electric scooters and bikes.
Everywhere, lights are shining from buildings. Huge TV screens show a live stream of the latest news from the galaxy.
This is what life could look like soon. Yesterday, scientists in England made a breakthroughA sudden advance or successful discovery in science. in nuclear fusion. It could lead to unlimitedHaving no limits or restrictions. power.
Find out more
Fusion is a reaction that happens when two atomsThe smallest unit of any chemical element. are forced together. When they join, they create lots of energy. It is the same reaction that happens every day on the sun.
We already use nuclear energy. But this is made by splitting atoms apart. That creates energy - and lots of dangerousable to injure or harm. waste.
Fusion is clean and could last forever. Fusion reactions have always used too much energy to be worth it. Yesterday, scientists in England used a new reactor that keeps gas colder. It made enough energy to power 50 kettles.
Is nuclear fusion our best hope for the climate?
Yes! It might be hard to make fusion work, but it will be the perfect answer to climate change. We will be able to make all the energy we need to power the world without harming the environment.
No. It is too late. We need a solution that already works! We cannot wait for more breakthroughs. We should use wind and solar energy to solve the climate crisis.
Keywords
Breakthrough - A sudden advance or successful discovery in science.
Unlimited - Having no limits or restrictions.
Atoms - The smallest unit of any chemical element.
Dangerous - able to injure or harm.
Scientists hail stunning nuclear breakthrough
Glossary
Breakthrough - A sudden advance or successful discovery in science.
Unlimited - Having no limits or restrictions.
Atoms - The smallest unit of any chemical element.
Dangerous - able to injure or harm.