The Rational View podcast with Dr. Al Scott

Energy Return on Investment (EROI) is an important figure of merit for energy sources that tells us whether we get out more energy than we put in, and if so, how much effort it takes to run a vibrant society. I ask 'the father of EROI', Professor Charlie Hall, whether renewable energy is actually a sustainable resource able to power society's transition from fossil energy. In this interview, Prof. Hall describes how renewable energy sources are only sustainable when they form a small fraction of our electrical grid.   World-renowned Professor Emeritus Charles Hall has been a research scientist since 1970, and started teaching in 1972. His work has focused mainly on energy sources. As cheap high return energy sources start to decline his analysis of the impacts of energy return on investment on society have gained prominence. He is interested in understanding the effects of peak oil and declining EROI on economic growth and possibilities, and how that might play out in the developing world. Many of these issues come full circle to the limits to growth arguments that emerged in the 60’s and 70’s. He is an AAAS Fellow, a Fulbright Fellow (Argentina) and was named one of the 100 Outstanding World Scientists of 2004. He is a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Creative Research, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society for BioPhysical Economics. His work with Murphy and Balogh, “What is the Minimum EROI that a Sustainable Society Must Have?”, was featured as the 10th Anniversary Best Paper published in the Journal Energies for Hall, Murphy and Balogh. Subscribe at https://therationalview.podbean.com Join the conversation on Facebook @theRationalView discussion group Instagram @the_rational_view  Twitter @AlScottRational #therationalview #podcast #science #evidencebased #EROI #greenenergy #renewableenergy #nuclearenergy #atomicenergy #sustainability 

The Pentagon has recently declassified footage of UFO observations, and provided a summary report including an expert assessment of the data. Is the truth out there? Are we being visited by little green men from another planet? I provided a review in an earlier podcast UFOs & Aliens.  It’s now time for the Rational View to have another look. Robert Powell has a BS in Chemistry. He has 28 years experience in engineering management in the semiconductor industry. He is a founding Board member of the Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies (SCU). He was the Director of Research at the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) from 2007-2017 and created MUFON's Science Review Board in 2012. Robert is a co-author of a book published in July 2012: UFOs and Government: A Historical Inquiry and is an author of a book designed for children published in Nov. 2020 entitled, The Truth About UFOs: A Scientific Perspective. Subscribe at https://therationalview.podbean.com Chat with the experts on Facebook @therationalview Instagram @the_rational_view Twitter @AlScottRational #therationalview #podcast #ufos #evidencebased #science #uav #mufon #scu #ufos #aliens #ufosightings

In this episode I chat with Dr. Ben Heard about environmental advocacy and communicating science-based viewpoints in a polarised debate. Dr. Heard provides his assessment on the rationality of the anti-nuclear lobby. Dr. Ben Heard is recognised as a leading voice for the use of nuclear technologies to address our most pressing global challenges. It certainly didn’t start that way. Back in the day he was a member of environmental NGOs and shared their basic objection to nuclear technologies. After completing a Masters in Sustainability he started working in major projects in climate change. But there was just no solution on offer to match the scale of the problems at hand. So instead of continuing his objection to nuclear technology he shut his damn mouth about it for a couple of years and did some learning. That was the start of pathway of writing, presenting, advocating and ever more learning about how we can reinvent the future using all our knowledge and ingenuity.  Ben was awarded his doctorate from the University of Adelaide in 2018, where he examined clean energy supply with a focus on nuclear technologies. He has presented his research findings at conferences around Australia and the world. He founded Bright New World in 2016 to provide a new organisation for people who want pragmatic, compassionate, and science-based environmentalism, in particular that values the role of nuclear technologies.  Ben lives in Adelaide, South Australia where he works in the private sector on energy and asset performance projects. He features as one of the global voices in the documentary Juice: How Electricity Explains the World. Subscribe at https://therationalview.podbean.com Chat with the experts at TheRationalView Facebook group Follow me on Instagram @the_rational_view Follow me on Twitter @AlScottRational #therationalview #podcast #science #evidencebased #nuclear #greenenergy #nuclearenergy #atomicenergy #nuclearpower #netzeroneedsnuclear #ecomodernism 

Gender bias in STEM fields is an important issue in society. Women are statistically underrepresented in STEM fields and although gains have been made, the problem remains. This is a timely issue to discuss now: due to the pandemic, many more women than men have left the workforce to care for children. We need to be aware that many of the gains that have been made have recently eroded. Many will claim that women are not as interested in STEM fields, perhaps they are biologically different than men. I think this attitude is a cop-out and is dangerous to society.  I believe that one reason that anti-science sentiment has had an easy time taking hold in society is that many women expect to encounter discrimination and barriers in these fields. Anyone with this expectation is likely to seek answers elsewhere.  By maintaining these barriers, even unconsciously, men in STEM fields alienate potential allies.  We need to work actively to identify and mitigate cultural barriers and attitudes that dissuade women from successful careers in STEM. As an introduction to the issue I interview my daughter, Clare Scott, who has just graduated from high school with top marks in her class. She will be starting at McGill University in the fall for Environmental Sciences. She is also an avid highland dancer. I discuss her perceptions of gender bias as she prepares for her post-secondary education in a STEM field. I also imposed upon my talented wife, Ms. Sarah Kerns who has been an electrical and software engineer in a male-dominated field for over 10 years to provide her perspective and insights from her experience on these issues. Sarah was lead software test engineer for Canada's James Webb Space Telescope Fine Guidance Sensor.   Subscribe at https://therationalview.podbean.com Join the discussion @TheRationalView on Facebook Instagram @The_Rational_View Twitter @AlScottRational #therationalview #podcast #STEM #womeninSTEM #gender #discrimination #science #womeninscience #womenempowerment #womenintech #girlswhocode #engineering #STEMeducation #TOK

The scientific consensus on anthropogenic climate change is clear. The IPCC has given humanity an aggressive timeline to mitigate the worst damage. The question about what to do in response to the crisis is a contentious issue. To achieve net zero CO2 emissions requires that we aggressively pursue our most potent sources of clean energy. The IPCC pathways to net zero recognize the need for a significant nuclear contribution, however a plucky group of renewable energy NGOs led by Stanford professor Mark Jacobson have put forth a daring roadmap to not only eliminate fossil fuels, but to do it with one hand tied behind our backs. They propose a complex and daring venture to eliminate both fossil fuels and nuclear power. My guests are co-authors of “Roadmap to Nowhere” a detailed dissection of infamous Stanford professor Mark Jacobson’s “50-state roadmap to 2050” wherein he argues that fossil fuels can be completely replaced by 'renewable' energy sources. Mike Conley is a writer of fiction and non-fiction, living in Los Angeles. A life-long nerd, he’s been interested in nuclear issues since 2010. Tim Maloney is a retired community college professor of electronics and machine control, an author and an inventor. Subscribe to my podcast at https://therationalview.podbean.com Chat with the experts at https://facebook.com/groups/therationalview @the_rational_view on Instagram; @AlScottRational on Twitter #therationalview #podcast #science #evidencebased #renewableenergy #nuclearenergy #greenenergy #netzeroneedsnuclear #nuclearreactor #atomicenergy #cleanenergy #energy #electricity #gogreen #sustainability #environment #renewable

Research into recycling of nuclear fuel was shut down by Jimmy Carter’s administration in the anti-nuclear movement of the ‘70’s. The work has largely remained sidelined due to the fact that Uranium is abundant and cheap and the spent fuel is easy to store safely on-site.  Opponents of nuclear power, however, have latched on to the long lifetime of hazardous radioactive waste as a reason to oppose new nuclear developments.  In light of this situation, and the amount of Uranium we will need in coming years to displace fossil fuels, it makes sense to revisit recycling. Mr. Thomas Dolan has an aviation degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is a FAA Commercially instrument rated pilot. Mr. Dolan joined Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) in 1986 and accumulated over 25 years experience in law enforcement. Mr. Dolan formed and was the CEO of Homeland Security Aviation & Maritime Services, Inc. (HSA) in 2002 wtih a group of technical experts, addressing idenfitication and measurement of radiation sources in response to the needs of the emergency response community. Tom is a current member of American Nuclear Society. Steven Curtis holds a masters degree in Health Physics and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE), both from UNLV. He worked on the Nuclear Emergency Support Team (NEST) and radiation consequence management missions for Department of Energy (DOE)/National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) for 13 years, and was project manager in charge of the Aerial Measuring System (AMSr). Mr. Curtis held Battalion staff and Company Commander Positions as an officer in the Army and Nevada National Guard. He has supported National Security Technologies, LLC, as a consultant in support of the Nevada Test Site. He has worked with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) on several DHS Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) architecture projects. Steve is a current member and past President of the  American Nuclear Society - Nevada Section. Follow me on https://therationalview.podbean.com Talk to the experts at https://facebook.com/groups/therationalview Insta: @the_rational_view Twitter: @AlScottRational #therationalview #podcast #nuclearenergy #greenenergy #atomicenergy #nuclearreactors #netzeroneedsnuclear #recycling #nuclearwaste #SMRs 

In this episode I welcome the co-founders of TerraPraxis, Kirsty Gogan and Eric Ingersoll. TerraPraxis is a non-profit organisation focused on action for climate and prosperity. They have come up with a new idea that could revolutionize the battle against fossil fuels and carbon emissions. Using the heat and electricity from advanced nuclear reactors allows one to create hydrogen more efficiently than by non-thermal electrolysis. This carbon-free hydrogen can be used to create synthetic fuels and could contribute to reversing the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Kirsty Gogan has more than 15 years’ experience as a senior advisor to Government on climate and energy policy. Kirsty is managing partner of LucidCatalyst, an international consultancy focused on multiplying and accelerating zero carbon technology options available for large-scale, affordable, market-based decarbonization of the global economy. Kirsty chairs the UK Government’s Nuclear Innovation Research and Advisory Board (NIRAB) Cost Reduction Working Group. Kirsty also co-founded Energy for Humanity (EFH), an environmental NGO focused on large scale deep decarbonisation and energy access. Eric Ingersoll is a strategic advisor and entrepreneur with deep experience in the commercialization of new energy technologies, renewables, energy storage, oil & gas, and nuclear, with a special emphasis on advanced nuclear technologies. Eric develops commercial strategies for advanced energy technologies. Eric co-founded NGO Energy Options Network (EON), a group of technical experts working to accelerate the commercialization and deployment of alternative climate mitigation options. Eric was a member of the renewable energy advisory group of the National Commission on Energy Policy (NCEP), and was honored at the Obama White House as a Champion of Change in Renewable Energy. Follow me at https://therationalview.podbean.com Talk to the experts at https://facebook.com/groups/therationalview Insta @the_rational_view Twitter @AlScottRational #therationalview #podcast #netzeroneedsnuclear #greenenergy #nuclearenergy #syntheticfuels #hydrogen #greenhydrogen #atomicenergy #nuclearreactors #SMRs

I’ve often found myself wanting to vote Green, knowing the environmental crisis we are facing, however, I've never been able to get past their anti-nuclear policies. In this episode I interview an influential green party member who is willing to consider the evidence for nuclear power. In fact, they were a candidate for the Canadian Green Party leadership. Dr. Amita Kuttner is co-founder of the Moonlight Institute, a non-profit organization that seeks to create frameworks for an equitable and just future, taking into account the realities of the climate emergency, as well as technology, and decolonization. Amita holds a PhD in astronomy and astrophysics from the University of California, Santa Cruz; their research focused on black holes, wormholes, quantum effects, and the early universe. Amita ran for Canadian Parliament in 2019 and served as Critic for Science and Innovation for the Green Party of Canada from September 2018 to February 2020, bringing forward policy on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Amita ran for leadership of the Green Party of Canada in 2020 on a platform of justice, science, and resilience. Follow me at https://therationalview.podbean.com Talk to the experts at https://facebook.com/groups/therationalview Insta: @the_rational_view Twitter: @AlScottRational #therationalview #podcast #evidencebased #energy #nuclearenergy #atomicenergy #cleanenergy #netzeroneedsnuclear #green #climatechange #justice 

In this episode I interview Dr. James Conca who understands both the science and the politics of nuclear energy and deep geological repositories. Dr. Conca reveals the ultimate solution to storage of spent nuclear fuel, and we discuss the political machinations surrounding Yucca Mountain.   Geochemist and Energy scientist, speaker and author Dr. James Conca is Senior Scientist for UFA Ventures, Inc. in the Tri-Cities, Washington, an Adjunct Professor at Washington State University in the School of the Environment, a Trustee of the Herbert M. Parker Foundation, an Affiliate Scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory and a Science Contributor to Forbes on energy and nuclear issues. Follow me at https://therationalview.podbean.com Come talk to the experts at https://facebook.com/groups/therationalview On Insta @the_rational_view On Twitter @AlScottRational #therationalview #podcast #nuclearenergy #deepgeologicalrepository #cleanenergy #greenenergy #climatechange #netzeroneedsnuclear #nuclearreactor #atomicenergy #nuclearwaste 

I’ve always been interested in the quest for rationality in public policy, and I’ve surprisingly encountered resistance here and there amongst people saying that humans are at their core irrational beings. What is the proper balance, then, between logic and emotion in Rational decision making? Wanting to explore this thought, I’ve sought out an expert on the topic. Justin E. H. Smith is professor of the history and philosophy of science at the University of Paris. He is the author, among other books, of Irrationality: A History of the Dark Side of Reason (Princeton University Press, 2019), and of the forthcoming The Internet Is Not What You Think It Is (Princeton, 2021). He writes a regular Substack newsletter at https://justinehsmith.substack.com. Follow me at https://therationalview.podbean.com Join the discussion at https://facebook.com/groups/therationalview Insta @the_rational_view Twitter @AlScottRational #TheRationalView #podcast #evidencebased #science #reason #emotion #rationality #irrationality #judgement