The global dependence on fossil fuels, especially in transportation, has dire consequences. These fuels are the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating global warming and harming respiratory health. However, a breakthrough from Wuhan University offers a glimpse of a future where jet propulsion relies solely on electricity and air. The Problem with Fossil Fuels Transportation fuels the world, but at a tremendous cost. The combustion of fossil fuels powers cars, planes, and industrial machinery, yet it significantly contributes to climate change. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, transportation accounts for nearly 29% of greenhouse gas emissions. The search for sustainable alternatives has become critical. Professor Jau Tang and his team have developed a prototype jet engine that uses microwave air plasmas for thrust, a method that entirely sidesteps fossil fuels. The innovation has the potential to revolutionize air travel by eliminating carbon emissions. A schematic diagram of a prototype microwave air plasma thruster and the images of the bright plasma jet at different microwave powers. This device consists of a microwave power supply, an …