This was a collaboration with reporting team for the Princeton Alumni Weekly magazine.
‘We really need fusion to achieve net zero carbon emissions’
Steve Cowley *85, director of the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) sat down with PAW to talk about fusion, climate change, and more.
Highlights:
- Cowley explains the difference between laser and magnetic fusion, the method used at PPPL.
- The PPPL decided to extend into sustainability science because of the national need and impending urgency of climate change.
- The urgency to wean the world off of fossil fuels has never been greater.
- The government has invested billions into climate research.
- Young scientists are needed to innovate.
- What if there was an Apollo program for fusion?
My interview with Susan about fusion at PPPL drove to the heart of the science, the politics and the human factors,. It was clear that she had done robust background research and had an earnest interest in the topic — this is, unfortunately, extraordinarily rare even amongst experienced journalists.
Susan was engaging and skillful in probing deeper into certain topics while keeping the conversation flowing.
Her curiosity about science and her ability to connect with people make Susan an excellent choice for interviewer or moderator roles.
Steve Cowley – June 6, 2023