Environment & Energy

Last edited Mon Dec 29, 2025, 11:55 PM - Edit history (1)

Nuclear energy has been one energy source that does not appreciably contribute to air pollution and global warming. Zealous advocates of nuclear energy generally get all the basic science right but some seem to be locked in a kind of denial about the economics, which clearly does not favor nuclear energy in it's current form, and seem to view the social or psychological views toward radiation with very little understanding or sympathy.

The use of hyperbole doesn't win many points, either. Blaming all deaths from air pollution on anti-nuke ignorance is a bit much. Worrying about the amount of carbon dioxide and methane specifically released to power computers for "AntiNuke" discussion is an example of extreme paranoia that more than matches the ultra fear of radiation. Worry more about bitcoin miners.

Dismissing efforts to develop renewable energy as junk or garbage also reveals a strong bias. These sources are providing energy around the world and are currently among the least costly to develop. Shall we blame all air pollution or global warming related deaths on Anti-Wind or Anti-Solar activists? No, but we can certainly condemn Trump's ban on Offshore Wind as a horrible act of pettiness and corruption. Could someone explain to him that wind turbines' impact on wilderness or wildlife pales in comparison to ocean-wrecking global warming? Turbines may kill some birds or even some whales, but they are meant to save coral reefs and ocean ecosystems. If "rickety" wind turbines will become "huge" liabilities we must ask ourselves if that might be easier to manage over the long term than the much larger liability of radioactive waste handling and storage, for which no safe and economically viable solution has ever been achieved. We're passing that liability on to many following generations.

I don't consider myself to be an "AntiNuke" but I don't believe nuclear energy is a panacea for energy concerns. Overall, the problems with nuclear energy in this country make it somewhat of a dead horse, while the growing momentum of Wind & Solar shows great potential. Most important, the problems and challenges of scaling up Wind & Solar are being overcome at an impressive rate through much remarkable innovation.

I'd be interested to hear your perspective on Fusion energy. Is it viable? Would it be safer than fission reactors? Would it overcome the waste issue? Would the cost be prohibitive? It seems to be a good area for nuclear advocates to focus.