2023 has been a giant 12 months for local weather information. Wildfires, floods and heatwaves displaced and killed hundreds of individuals internationally as excessive climate occasions worsened, and scientists have concluded the previous 12 months had been the most well liked since information started.

But it surely’s not solely dangerous information. Our local weather consultants James Temple and Casey Crownhart have been overlaying essentially the most promising applied sciences that might make a distinction. Have a look again over a few of MIT Expertise Evaluate’s most-read local weather tales of the 12 months—and be sure to hold up-to-date with all the most recent information by subscribing to The Spark, our weekly local weather and power tech e-newsletter. 

+ This geothermal startup confirmed its wells can be utilized like a large underground battery. If Fervo Vitality’s subject outcomes work at industrial scale, it might turn out to be cheaper and simpler to inexperienced the grid. Learn the total story.

+ Helion Vitality, a startup backed by Sam Altman, says its first fusion plant is 5 years away. Specialists aren’t so certain.

+ Try our useful explainer of how warmth pumps work—and the way they might prevent cash within the course of.

+ Spraying iron particles above the ocean might assist to battle local weather change. However scientists say much more analysis nonetheless must be executed. Learn the total story.

+ Sure, we now have sufficient supplies to energy the world with renewable power. We received’t run out of key substances for local weather motion, however mining comes with social and environmental ramifications. Learn the total story.

+ Nonprofits and tutorial teams are working to assist climate-vulnerable areas participate within the high-stakes international debate over photo voltaic geoengineering.