Summary
As leaders around the world search for cleaner energy solutions to fight climate change, a question has emerged: Could hydrogen be the clean fuel of the future? Planes, trains, cars and buses need lighter and longer-lasting power than batteries can provide, some scientists say. PBS NewsHour science correspondent Miles O’Brien explores the possibilities of hydrogen-powered engines and whether they can deliver.
Discussion Questions: How is Hydrogen Fuel Made?
- What is hydrogen fuel?
- How is hydrogen fuel produced?
- What are some of the downsides of producing hydrogen fuel?
- Why do some experts think hydrogen fuel might be an important alternative to batteries used in electric vehicles?
- When were hydrogen fuels first produced, and why did they fall out of favor?
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Potential hydrogen hubs located in the continental U.S.
Focus Questions
How do you think this technology might change your community in the future? Do you think your community will rely on a different form of energy in the future? Why so?
Media literacy: Do you think this piece did enough to explain the challenges or downsides of developing hydrogen fuel? How could you find out more about the pros and cons?
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Extra.
Lesson Plans on Climate Change
Explore more resources for educators to find a wide-range of relevant preK-12 lessons on climate change or supporting young people as they continue to lead the conversation around the climate change crisis.
PBS NewsHour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories.
