The US Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, told the BBC that nuclear fusion will soon give energy to the world. He believes artificial intelligence (AI) will help people use this technology within five years.
Nuclear fusion is the energy of the sun and stars. It can make huge amounts of clean power. Scientists say it is very hard to copy on Earth because it needs very high heat. Many experts think fusion will take longer, but Mr Wright says it can work much sooner.
He thinks electricity from fusion will join the world’s energy grids in 8–15 years. He also believes it will reduce greenhouse gases and fight climate change.
Mr Wright also spoke about fracking, oil, and gas. He wants the UK to allow fracking again. He says it can create jobs and make energy cheaper. Critics, however, warn that fracking may not give much oil and gas in the UK.
He also said that Europe depends too much on Chinese solar and wind technology. He warned that China could control Europe’s energy systems.
Mr Wright defended cuts to subsidies for wind and solar power. He said they have already received support for more than 25 years. In his opinion, it is enough time for them to “stand alone.”
Climate Change Debate
The Trump administration made a report that said the danger of climate change is often exaggerated. It argued that sea levels are not rising faster and that carbon dioxide can even help plants grow.
More than 85 scientists around the world disagreed. They said the report had mistakes and selected data. Mr Wright replied that many climate scientists also “cherry-pick” information.
He accepted that climate change is real but said the world will reduce carbon emissions only “generations from now, not in two or three decades.”
Looking to the Future
Mr Wright said fusion energy will be the future of the world. He believes AI will speed up the process. He is happy that his report started a big public debate on climate change.
He also said that cuts to US research will not stop “real science.” He explained that science must be more open and less political.
For now, the world is waiting to see if nuclear fusion really can change global energy in the next 10–15 years.
Source: bbc.com
Vocabulary for the Article
Fusion – joining atoms to make energy.
The sun shines because of fusion.
Atom – the smallest part of matter.
Everything is made of atoms.
Grid – system of wires for electricity.
The house is connected to the grid.
Energy – power from electricity, sun, or fuel.
We need energy to live and work.
Greenhouse gases – gases that make Earth hotter.
Cars produce greenhouse gases.
Reduce – to make smaller or less.
We must reduce pollution.
Fracking – getting oil and gas from rocks underground.
Fracking is common in the US.
Subsidy – money support from the government.
Farmers get subsidies to grow food.
Depend – to need or rely on something.
Children depend on their parents.
Exaggerate – to say something is bigger than it is.
He exaggerated the problem.
Cherry-pick – to choose only good parts.
The company cherry-picked the best data.
Generation – group of people born around the same time.
Two generations live in this house.
Renewable – energy that comes from nature and doesn’t run out.
Wind and sun are renewable energy sources.
Critic – person who says something is wrong or bad.
The critic did not like the plan.
Emission – gas or smoke from cars or factories.
The city has high car emissions.
Concern – a worry or problem.
Safety is a big concern in this job.
Technology – machines or tools people use.
Computers are modern technology.
Scientist – person who studies science.
The scientist works in a lab.
License – official paper to allow something.
You need a license to drive a car.
Debate – a formal discussion about an important topic.
There is a debate about climate change.
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