3: Nuclear Energy
What role should nuclear energy play in mitigating climate change? Is it safe? Is it practical?
The Disagreement · Stephanie Cooke, Joshua Goldstein, Alex Grodd
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Show Notes
Today's disagreement is about nuclear energy and how much it should or should not be a part of our energy grid.
We’re working through most of the major arguments for and against nuclear power – such as:
- Pragmatic concerns with nuclear energy: specifically, the cost and timing
- China’s advantages over the United States when it comes to creating nuclear power plants
- The strengths and weaknesses of renewable energy sources
The Guests
Joshua Goldstein is an emeritus professor of International Relations at American University and the co-writer of the documentary Nuclear Now with Oliver Stone. He also co-authored the book A Bright Future: How Some Countries Have Solved Climate Change and the Rest Can Follow.
Stephanie Cooke is a journalist who specializes in reporting on nuclear energy. She has previously served as the editor of Nuclear Intelligence Weekly and is the author of In Mortal Hands: A Cautionary History of the Nuclear Age.
Show Notes
- Why nuclear energy? [02:37]
- Growing support for nuclear power [07:11]
- Reorganizing our energy grid [09:06]
- Nuclear as nonpartisan [11:02]
- History of nuclear power in the U.S. [11:27]
- How China approaches nuclear energy [14:47]
- What are the economics of building nuclear power plants? [17:34]
- Obstacles for renewables [21:45]
- Natural gas as replacement for nuclear [23:24]
- Small modular reactors [26:40]
- Downsides of wind and solar [24:54]
- Is nuclear safe? [30:44]
- Dealing with nuclear waste [36:04]
- Steelmanning [43:31]
- Hiding nuclear weapons production in nuclear energy programs [49:26]
Resources
Overview of what nuclear energy is according to the International Atomic Energy Agency if you need a primer/refresher.
If you have any insights into new possible topics or guests, please reach out to producer Greg Woodward at [email protected].
Questions or comments about this episode? Email us at [email protected] or find us on X and Instagram @thedisagreementhq. Subscribe to our newsletter: https://thedisagreement.substack.com/