Double Jeopardy: Combating Nuclear Terror and Climate Change

Belfer Center Studies in International Security

by Daniel B. Poneman

Making the case that we can use nuclear power to combat climate change even as we reduce the risks of nuclear terror.Humanity faces two existential threats: nuclear annihilation and catastrophic climate change. Both have human origins, and both are linked to the use of nuclear energy. Inherent in the use of atomic fission is the risk that the technology and materials can be diverted to terrorists or hostile nations and used to make nuclear weapons. The key question is whether we can use nuclear energy to reduce the threat of climate change without increasing the risk that nuclear weapons will be used.

In Double Jeopardy, Daniel Poneman argues that the world needs an "all-of-the-above" energy policy, one that advances the goal of decarbonizing the environment through all available means--including nuclear power. Poneman makes a compelling case that we can enhance the ability of nuclear power to combat climate change even as we reduce the risks of nuclear terror. Doing so will require well-crafted laws and policies, implemented with an ethos of constant vigilance and embedded in a culture that weaves safety and security goals into the fabric of our nuclear programs. This will enable government and industry to work together to maximize energy and climate benefits while minimizing safety and security risks.

288 pages, Hardcover

Published May 28, 2019

Reviews

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

"We" are threatened by two problems. They are both government generated, so a stronger, more decisive government will solve the problem.

[Matt Heavner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive, extremely well-informed (and not too long) look at the dual challenges of climate and nukes. Nukes both in the species saving energy sense and species threatening bomb sense. A great overview of pretty wonky subjects. I felt in a reasonable non-wonky way (but nuclear energy and nonproliferation are pretty wonky, climate (especially energy and grid issues) only slightly less wonky..). At any rate, a great overview, with 13 recommendations.

[Brahm · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. I wanted to enjoy this because I'd heard the author give an excellent interview on the Titans of Nuclear podcast, and my library loaned the book all the way from Concordia University in Montreal, but at the halfway mark I was just too bored to continue.

[Paul Vogelzang · Rating 5 out of 5]

complex questions with no easy answers, but author Dan Poneman does a great job in sorting through all the issues. Excellent.