In a long-awaited win for the scientific community, researchers have finally achieved the first instance of ignition using nuclear fusion—a process that involves smashing two atoms together at incredibly high speeds and transforming the energy created into electricity.

The concept of nuclear fusion has long been considered an ideal form of alternative energy, offering a debated ‘green’ way to power everything from homes to commercial offices. The downside? The scientific progression has simply lagged well behind the theory. Until now.

After decades of research, scientists achieved a yield of more than 1.3 megajoules (MJ) using fusion technology for the first time in August last year at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s (LLNL’s) National Ignition Facility (NIF).

Whilst this is pretty impressive news, we’re still a way off from being able to harness the amount of energy needed to power huge cities. However now the theory has been shown to be feasible, greater investment is likely to produce further technological and scientific advancement in this area and we’re sure we’ll be reporting on this in future PNRs.

We’ve reported on the Great Barrier Reef in numerous other articles, and the good news keeps coming: The northern and central reefs have recorded their highest amount of coral cover since the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) began monitoring 36 years ago. In both regions, hard coral cover reached 33% and 36% this year, respectively.

AIMS CEO Dr Paul Hardisty said the results in the north and central regions were a sign the reefs could still recover, however the loss of coral cover in the southern region showed how dynamic the situation remains.

“A third of the gain in coral cover we recorded in the south in 2020/21 was lost last year due to ongoing crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks,” he said.

On the 27th of July, Hawaii received its last shipment of coal from Indonesia before closing the last of its functioning coal plant.

Gov. David Ige called the final shipment "a huge step forward in Hawai'i’s transition to clean energy" on Twitter.

In 2015, the Governor signed a bill setting a goal for Hawaii state utilities to generate 100 percent of their electricity sales from renewable energy resources by 2045.

The state has been a leader in pursuing renewable energy sources like solar energy: Honolulu even has the highest solar capacity per person, according to a report from April.

Made up of multiple isolated Islands, Hawaii is already heavily affected by climate change—including increased flooding and monsoons. As with so many other small island nations, the government is putting plans in place to limit its effect on its inhabitants’ future. However, as we’ve previously reported, much needs to be done elsewhere around the globe to truly reduce and (hopefully) reverse the trends we’re seeing as a result of climate malpractice.