Fasano warns of nuclear dangers, promotes energy solutions

Seamus O'Sullivan - Features Editor

In the Great Decisions lecture last Wednesday, Dr. Chris Fasano, Chair of the School of Engineering, Sciences, and Innovation, addressed the dual challenges of nuclear proliferation and energy needs. Fasano began by noting a surge in global electricity demand, driven by the growth of artificial intelligence, and argued that nuclear energy could offer a crucial solution.

Fasano discussing nuclear technology during the lecture. Photo by Seamus O’Sullivan

“Current renewables are inefficient, and fossil fuels are devastating the environment,” he said. “This is not your grandfather’s nuclear bomb,” he warned, emphasizing how modern nuclear weapons are far more devastating than the ones used on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Fasano explained that, while new, smaller reactors are promising, waste storage remains a key hurdle. Beyond energy, he highlighted the danger posed by today’s nuclear weapons.

“Building a nuclear bomb is not hard. Calculations can be done by a first-year grad student. Getting materials anonymously is the hard part,” he warned, stressing a global vulnerability.

He also noted, “There is a big push to upgrade and improve the weapons we have,” as the U.S. works on a new missile defense system called the “Golden Dome” to intercept fast-moving nuclear missiles up to five times the speed of sound.