To clarify: maybe in a more rational, informed society, where we could actually keep building and rebuilding newer generations of fission reactors, then maybe it wouldn't matter as much. We'd have safe reactors and a very small amount of waste products, at a lower residual radiation level.
We don't have any of these things though. In this scenario, then it matters a whole lot. Fusion (I refuse to use the word 'nuclear' here) reactors do not meltdown(nor do the newest fission designs). They generate very little radiation, if any. They have no waste products.
Basically, they remove the "NOT IN MY BACKYARD" variable from the equation. And weaponizing concerns for some countries. And, if they ever work, should generate outstanding amounts of power for their size. Using small amounts of fuel that we don't expect to run out at any non-geologic time scale.
It's easier to sell to the public. "look, it's clean, it's natural, it's just a tiny sun".
To clarify: maybe in a more rational, informed society, where we could actually keep building and rebuilding newer generations of fission reactors, then maybe it wouldn't matter as much. We'd have safe reactors and a very small amount of waste products, at a lower residual radiation level.
We don't have any of these things though. In this scenario, then it matters a whole lot. Fusion (I refuse to use the word 'nuclear' here) reactors do not meltdown(nor do the newest fission designs). They generate very little radiation, if any. They have no waste products.
Basically, they remove the "NOT IN MY BACKYARD" variable from the equation. And weaponizing concerns for some countries. And, if they ever work, should generate outstanding amounts of power for their size. Using small amounts of fuel that we don't expect to run out at any non-geologic time scale.
It's easier to sell to the public. "look, it's clean, it's natural, it's just a tiny sun".
So yeah, big deal.