📉 Bill Ok so IMO future of civilization rests on us harnessing fusion energy. Discuss @trohs

👉 Léo Oh cool! But I actually disagree. We will eventually figure out fusion (hopefully within the next decade or so) but it is not necessary for the future of human civilization. The sun will be emiting plenty of energy for at least the next million of years. Fusion will become more important when we start getting ready to leave the solar system. So, what's your opinion?

📉 Bill Valid points. I think with the run rate of our global economy and our (current?) dependence on constant expansion in both population and consumption, fusion is the only way to sustainably power that over the next 20+ years. I'm not convinced we can meet our energy/environmental needs with just solar/renewables. Maybe increased interest in fission can fill the gap.

☕ David Antoine Fusion if they find a way to solve disruptions n in Tokamaks. Even then, those are constrained by their size. The more big. The more stable (i.e. ITER), thus making them to costly and long to build to be commercially viable. A lot of private teams are exploring other paths to fusion with innovative designs. There is also antimatter. But it is much more long term and unfortunately not very promoted for energy research or space travel (even better than fusion for that).

👉 Léo I agree with you that the perceived necessity for constat growth is really unhealthy for society, and creates all sorts of perverse incentives. Tell me more about your assumptions. Are you assuming that people will realize the extent of climate damage and reduce usage of fossil fuels?