Climate Scientists Get Respect, So Why Not Nuclear Scientists?

Uranium (Nuclear Minerals) / Nuclear Power - Economics, Design, & Industry

Date posted: 05/15/15

Dr. Conca suggests that when we talk about climate change, we point out that 97 per cent of climate scientists agree that we are in a warming period and that we need to act. When we converse about biological evolution, we acknowledge that 100 per cent of geologists understand that biological evolution has been acting on Earth for the last 4 billion years, with some tinkering perhaps. When we discuss medical science, we understand that 99 per cent of physicians agree that everyone needs to be vaccinated. When we discuss war, we listen to generals, diplomats and others on the subject. But whenever nuclear energy is discussed on TV or in the news, the nuclear science community is never referenced, in fact, there rarely is a real nuclear scientist present. Only anti-nuclear activists. Why is that, Conca asks. Even when climate change appears on the news, often a climate denier is invited just for balance. When evolution is discussed in the media, a Genesis-believer is invited, for balance, if it were. But not with nuclear subjects. As a research scientist, a geologist and a nuclear scientist, this is really annoying to Dr. Conca. And sad, he says. the Nuclear field is such a complicated scientific discipline that it is insane not to tap this group of scientists if you want to know the reality. Because without them, you will not get any real understanding of this subject, just babel from talking heads. Part of the problem is the small number of nuclear scientists and the few nuclear programs that remain at universities. Because of this, nuclear scientists are just not very visible. But this is even more insidious for nuclear than other fields. In controversial areas, there are always a few voices that try to sully the reputation of the scientists reputation by saying their results are tied to their funding, or they are on the payroll, but no one except such folks really believe that. Scientists do not get into science to make money.