Nuclear Power to save the Planet? (Part One) with M.V. Ramana

For the next two episodes Ads is exploring one of the most debated and decisive topics when it comes to climate breakdown. Nuclear power. In recent years many have seen nuclear power as a keystone technology that can help produce bountiful clean energy to get humanity off fossil fuels. For others, when nuclear power is mentioned the images of Fukushima, Chernobyl and the threat of apocalyptic war are front and center and believe that this incredibly powerful energy source should remain a relic of the 20th century, it is too dangerous.  This week we are joined by M.V Ramana, author of "Nuclear is not the solution", and a member of the international nuclear risk assessment group. Ads discusses with Ramana the main arguments against pursuing nuclear power.  Who currently has access to it? Is it a viable technology on our climate timeline? Are Small Modular Reactors a real innovation? Are we aware of all the risks posed? What do we do with the waste? How are different countries approaching nuclear power and where do Nuclear weapons fit into this picture?in Part Two Ads is joined by Mark Nelson to discuss the positive vision for nuclear power. LinksDismantling Sellafield Article https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/dec/15/dismantling-sellafield-epic-task-shutting-down-decomissioned-nuclear-site Get a copy of Ramana's book: Nuclear is not the Solution, from Verso.https://www.versobooks.com/en-gb/products/3013-nuclear-is-not-the-solution?_pos=2&_psq=nu&_ss=e&_v=1.0World Nuclear Status Report https://www.worldnuclearreport.org/International Panel on Fissile Materials https://fissilematerials.org/International Nuclear Risk Assessment Grouphttps://www.inrag.org/Pugwash grouphttps://pugwashgroup.ca/Shout out  Ramana's co-authors at the  world nuclear report Mycle SchneiderAntony FroggattJulie HazemannSupport the show