143: Clearing the Air about Nuclear - Exploring the Pros and Cons of Nuclear Energy

We begin to unravel one of the most complex and timely topics in the global energy landscape. Whether you’re a student, a policy maker, a professional in the energy sector, or simply an engaged global citizen, this episode promises to broaden your horizons and foster informed dialogue.

As countries strive to decarbonize their energy sectors, the debate over nuclear power becomes increasingly vital. Nuclear energy offers a unique combination of high-capacity generation and low carbon emissions, positioning it as a potential linchpin in the global effort to combat climate change. However, high-profile accidents, long-lived waste, and economic considerations give rise to legitimate concerns. This discussion aims to navigate these complexities with clarity and candor and provide Alliance stakeholders with a strong background from which to further explore the topic. 

Christopher Juniper provides a balanced examination of nuclear power, highlighting both its transformative potential and the valid concerns it raises. He addresses the following key areas:

·     The Basics and Lifecycle of Nuclear Energy: How does nuclear power work? What is fission, and how is electricity generated from uranium or thorium?

·     Advantages of Nuclear Energy: Explore the compelling benefits, from low greenhouse gas emissions to high energy density, reliability, and potential for innovation in reactor design.

·     Drawbacks and Risks: Delve into the challenges, including extraction of uranium, radioactive waste, safety concerns, high upfront costs, and public perception. 

·     Future Outlook: A look at emerging technologies, such as small modular reactors and fusion energy, and their potential to reshape the energy landscape.

·     Colorado Connection: Understanding the potential implications for Colorado. 

·     Interactive Q&A Session: Bring your questions and perspectives for an engaging dialogue.

Christopher Juniper, a Colorado native and Colorado College graduate, has tracked nuclear power for nearly 50 years as a sustainability economist, consultant, activist, and college instructor. He created the Sustainability Performance Lifecycle Management System in 2003 that his team used to evaluate energy sources available to the Pikes Peak region 2009-2011. He has served on the Colorado Springs Utilities’ EIRP technical advisory committee; co-authored certification study guides for the International Society of Sustainability Professionals; authored book chapters on climate risk economics; and served international sustainability-related projects and non-profit boards.

This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress (SIP) virtual event on August 20, 2025. Sustainability in Progress is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free) the third Wednesday of every month. The next Sustainability in Progress:

Arts & Culture: Angela Seals of the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region

September 17, 2025, Noon to 1 PM

Virtual

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/HSD6IEKYR-yNGcsvHS2P3A

LINKS:

Speaker’s Slides: https://studio809podcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Nuclear-Lifecycle-2025.pdf

Speaker’s Research Notes: