From Coal to Nuclear: Energy, Climate, and the Future

Will Carson interviews his grandfather Herb McKenzie about his experience of energy growing up in Savannah, Georgia and his perspective on climate, energy, and the future. McKenzie discusses his childhood, recalling his family's reliance on coal for heat and his own experiences gathering coal. He also reflects on the possibilities of nuclear power and describes his memories of oil shortages in the 1970s. McKenzie discusses whether there is a role for charitable giving to promote energy transitions and explains differences between America and other countries. He also suggests reframing the discussion about climate change, by switching to talking about climate "transitions" and being more optimistic. McKenzie concludes by discussing public opinions of nuclear energy.