Enough About Nuclear!

— Written by Shayna Berglas

Step Aside, Fission. Nuclear Fusion May Take Your Job.

Last week, a major breakthrough was announced by U.S. scientists in the race to recreate nuclear fusion. Physicists have been developing the technology for decades, which has the potential to become a near-limitless clean energy source. This celebration by researchers is a result of finally overcoming a major hurdle – producing more energy from a fusion experiment than what was put in.

It’s exciting stuff. There are two clear advantages of nuclear fusion over other sources of energy. The first is that fusion doesn't emit harmful toxins like carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. Its major by-product is helium: an inert, non-toxic gas. The second is that, unlike fission, fusion reactors produce no high activity, long-lived nuclear waste.

There is, of course, quite a way to go before energy from fusion can power homes. This experiment cost serious cash (as in, billions of dollars) – but the potential of this energy source will almost certainly serve as an incentive for financial backers. And, at the very least, it shows the potential this science has to transform the world. With that, the world is one step closer to the clean energy future we’re all working towards.

Good Climate News! 🌍

An Indigenous reservation has a novel way to grow food – below the earth’s surface.

In communities facing the agricultural consequences of climate change, underground greenhouses are helping people take back control of their nutrition and provide a more stable method of farming.

Underground greenhouses were first observed in Bolivia about thirty years ago as a means to help rural communities build up food security. Unlike traditional practices that are subject to climatic conditions, underground crops can be better protected from intense storms and extreme temperatures.

On the Pine Ridge Reservation near the South Dakota border, the Oglala Sioux Tribe is encompassed by the Badlands and Blacks Hills, which has long contributed to extreme weather experiences. That weather, however, has gotten noticeably worse as a result of climate change, leading to more intense heatwaves and rainstorms that are leading to a growing fear of food scarcity.

This community, however, is not standing down.

In the last ten years, The Oglala Sioux Tribe has helped solve the historically low-income community’s intersectional struggles of access to affordable and nutritious food, as well as difficulties farming due to climate change. In this time they’ve built eight underground greenhouses, equipped with pallets of vivid microgreens, potato plants growing from hay bales, and planters full of thick heads of Swiss chard and pak choi.

This really is an ingenious solution. Underground greenhouse systems ensure natural insulation which favors the rapid growth of horticultural crops under extremely cold conditions. They can be built in a variety of sizes depending on commercial needs, and are ecologically smart, inexpensive, and viable. Frontline communities like the Oglala around the world have shown us that adaptation is equally as important as mitigation when it comes to climate change, sustainable agriculture is an excellent place to start.

What We’re Watching 🎥, Reading 📚, and Listening to 🎧

Searching for more positive and informative climate content? Look no further!

• 🎥 Bill Nye Explains Why Nuclear Fusion Breakthrough is a Big Deal | CNN

• 📚A New EU Rule Can Expose Greenwashers | Wired

• 🎧 Air Pollution (Psst. We’re on a break!) | For What It’s Earth

In Case You Missed It 🔍

The South has the potential to become a massive green energy hub for the United States. Click the video to learn about the region’s most recent advancement!

Just how bad are private jets for the environment? Click to find out!