Be It Resolved: We Need More Nuclear Energy Now

The demand for electricity in the world is increasing rapidly and nuclear power is seen by many as a great option to meet those needs sustainably and safely. Building nuclear reactors is capital-intensive but a large project provides jobs for thousands of people and the reactors can last for more than 30 years. Many argue nuclear energy is safe, efficient and reliable and it will be much harder to fight climate change without it. Still, nuclear energy accounts for only 10 percent of global electricity generation and memories of Chernobyl and Fukushima are fresh in the minds of many. How and where to safely dispose of radioactive waste is a concern for many who also argue the environmental impacts like water security, mining, milling and enriching of uranium do not make nuclear power a sustainable energy source.  QUOTES:    “I believe the world needs more nuclear because it is a key part of the low carbon puzzle. It provides reliable, sustainable and predictable base load power generation that can compliment the variability of wind and solar.”  John Gorman  “The thing about nuclear is it's a zombie energy program. It died when it was invented. It served no purpose when it was invented. The reality of nuclear for all the greenwashing that goes on nowadays, the reality is it was a cover for producing uranium for nuclear weapons.” Dr Martin Cohen The host of the Munk Debates is Rudyard Griffiths - @rudyardg.     Tweet your comments about this episode to @munkdebate or comment on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/munkdebates/   To sign up for a weekly email reminder for this podcast, send an email to [email protected].     To support civil and substantive debate on the big questions of the day, consider becoming a Munk Member at https://munkdebates.com/membership Members receive access to our 10+ year library of great debates in HD video, a free Munk Debates book, newsletter and ticketing privileges at our live events. This podcast is a project of the Munk Debates, a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to fostering civil and substantive public dialogue - https://munkdebates.com/   Senior Producer: Kelly Linehan Editor: Adam Karch