Scientists in the United States have announced that they have achieved a major breakthrough in nuclear fusion energy in a $3.5bn (£2.85bn) experiment. In an historic step towards the promise of “near-limitless” clean energy, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in California used lasers to achieve a “net energy gain”, producing more energy in a fusion reaction than was used to drive it. Nuclear fusion imitates the natural reactions that occur in the Sun. The breakthrough “enables the next steps toward clean fusion energy for the future,” LLNL said. Click here to sign up to our newsletters. Read More UK inflation dips but soaring food and energy prices keep pressure on households Children heard crying in ‘distress call’ on migrant boat that sank in English Channel France and Morocco fans clash in Paris after World Cup semi-finals
What to Know About Nuclear Fusion
There’s an old joke that nuclear fusion is just 30 years away, and always will be. But the world is now a step closer with the news that a federal research facility has used lasers to achieve a “net energy gain,” producing more energy in a fusion reaction than was used to drive it. Here's why this is relevant for all of our futures, and why many experts are only cautiously optimistic about how soon we'll be able to use the technology.
The Breakthrough
What the team of government scientists has actually achieved.
How Nuclear Energy Works, and Why this is such a big step forward
Why the nuclear fusion breakthrough is so significant in our move towards clean energy.
Notes of Caution
Not everyone is wildly excited by the news from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
Connect to Learn About Climate Change
Follow our Climate Change Exchange, join the conversation in the comments, and find new and interesting stories to pique your interest.
Follow this Magazine for thoughtful shares about our climate past, present and future. In order to contribute to this community, you must be a climate scientist, journalist, advocate or expert. Email your Flipboard profile username to mia@flipboard.com to be considered for an invite.