Quiz of The Week: 10 - 16 December

The world could be about to take a significant step towards a zero-carbon future after scientists in the US made a major breakthrough in the race to develop practical nuclear fusion.

Researchers at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California produced, for the first time ever, a net energy gain from a fusion reaction – the process that powers the sun. The landmark achievement could pave the way for a future of limitless clean energy.

Nuclear fusion is “a way of generating power that, in the broadest brush terms, could potentially provide us with an infinite amount of electricity with zero carbon emissions”, Alok Jha, science and technology correspondent at The Economist, explained on an episode of The Week Unwrapped podcast last year.

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The result of this latest experiment is a major step towards proving the process can provide the planet with a reliable and abundant alternative to fossil fuels.

Many countries have pledged to cut their carbon emissions to net zero by 2050, but it would be all too easy to think that harnessing nuclear fusion is the “holy grail” solution to the climate crisis.

Experts have warned it will take decades before nuclear fusion can be scaled up in any meaningful way – it would be at least the middle of the century before nuclear fusion becomes a commonplace form of power.

To find out how closely you’ve been paying attention to the latest developments in the news and other global events, put your knowledge to the test with our Quiz of The Week.

Need a reminder of some of the other headlines over the past seven days?

• Investigators searched offices and homes of European Parliament officials in Belgium in a widening probe into alleged bribes from World Cup host Qatar.
• Inflation remains at historically high levels despite dipping slightly to 10.7% in November.
• Talks to avert strike action by railway workers and nurses broke down, with the armed forces enlisted the help ease disruption to public services.
• France will face Argentina in the World Cup final at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.