Solving for Climate Cat Clifford: Why is nuclear energy back in fashion?
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Mar 18, 2025 Cat Clifford, Senior Science and Economics Correspondent for Cipher News, dives into the resurgence of nuclear energy amid climate goals. She discusses the innovative small modular reactors and the promising future of nuclear fusion. Cat highlights China's leadership in the nuclear sector and the complex public perceptions stemming from past incidents. The conversation also touches on safety advancements and bipartisan support for nuclear policies, revealing the geopolitical tensions that influence global energy strategies.
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Global Nuclear Share
- Nuclear power generates just under 10% of global electricity, a decline from its peak of 16-17% in the 1990s.
- This decline is partly due to countries like Japan and Germany turning away from nuclear after accidents, while others like China and South Korea have increased their nuclear capacity.
Nuclear Safety Perception vs. Reality
- Public perception of nuclear energy is skewed by high-profile accidents, despite data suggesting it's among the safest energy sources.
- Deaths from fossil fuel air pollution, though significant, are less visible and thus less impactful on public opinion than nuclear accidents.
Nuclear Waste Management
- Nuclear waste is small, tracked, and safely stored in casks on-site.
- A permanent geologic repository is needed, but the current solution is safe.