Café Inquiry (ONLINE) – Nuclear Power: Fission vs. Fusion

This event is held online. (Click the button to join the Zoom meeting.)

Fusion power is probably at least 20-30 years away – as has been the case for the past 50-60 years or so. It’s touted as eventually being able to provide clean, practically unlimited energy. This would be great, given that fighting climate change is going to necessitate a greater reliance on nuclear energy. But is it true that fusion power will be so much cleaner and safer than the fission power we currently use, especially considering the cutting-edge fission reactor designs that are in development? Join us ONLINE as we discuss the pros and cons of fission vs. fusion, as well as why we will likely need some form of nuclear power in our fight against global warming. For background, this article from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists points out some of the potential downsides of fusion power. Also from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, this article takes a more positive view of the technology’s potential. Steven Novella’s Neurologica blog discusses a plan to build the first commercial fusion reactor in this article, and the potential use of fission microreactors in this piece. Hope to see your virtual selves there!

Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.

This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.

Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.

Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.

—

Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.

Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/