Putin Urges International Cooperation on Fusion Energy To Unleash Humanity’s Potential
July 9, 2109 (EIRNS)—Russian President Vladimir Putin opened the Global Manufacturing and Industrialization Summit in Yekaterinburg, Russia today with a call for “detailed, meaningful discussion” on what kind of sustainable development can guarantee “better living conditions and opportunities for unleashing human potential” into the future for all of humanity. Fusion energy is key to that, he proposed, and it will only be achieved through international cooperation. Putin elaborated:
“I believe that in order to secure cleaner air, water and food, which also means a better quality of life and longevity for billions of people on our planet, we must offer up radically new technologies and more efficient and environmentally-friendly devices.”
Such as fusion energy, one of the “so-called nature-like technologies that reproduce natural processes and systems according to the laws of nature,” Putin proposed. He went on:
“It may seem strange at first, but fusion energy, which in fact is similar to how heat and light are produced in our star, in the Sun, is an example of such nature-like technologies.
“Potentially we can harness a colossal, inexhaustible and safe source of energy. However, we will only succeed in fusion energy and in solving other fundamental tasks if we establish broad international cooperation and interaction between government and business, and join the efforts of researchers representing different scientific schools and areas. If technological development becomes truly global, it will not be split up or reined in by attempts to monopolize progress, limit access to education and put up new obstacles to the free exchange of knowledge and ideas...
“The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) serves as a prime example of open scientific, technological cooperation. Scientists are now planning to use it to launch the process of controlled thermonuclear fusion.
“Our country is actively participating in this project, and is now prepared to suggest that they use Russia’s scientific infrastructure for joint research, joint scientific investigation, for the international scientific teams that are working in the sphere of nature-like and other breakthrough technologies, including unique mega-science installations."
“With their help, scientists will be able to literally see nature’s creation processes.”
In other sections of his speech, Putin also tore apart those proposing “obscurantism” and rejection of technology as a solution. Although he gave unnecessary credence to anthropogenic threats to the climate, he attacked “total rejection of nuclear or hydrocarbon energy” as the kind of “showy, but not effective solutions” that create problems.
“It comes down to appeals to give up progress, which will make it possible at best to perpetuate the situation and create local wellbeing for a select few. At the same time, millions of people will have to settle for what they have today or, it would be more appropriate to say, what they don’t have today: access to clean water, food, education and other basics of civilization.”
These “road to nowhere” approaches “only lead to new conflicts,” such as the migration crisis in Europe, and the U.S. as well, for that matter, he said.
“Of course you can’t forbid anyone from wearing animal fur or living in caves, but it is impossible and pointless to try and stop human progress. The question is, which base can this progress realistically be built upon to achieve the millennium development goals set by the United Nations.”
Over 2,500 government officials, business leaders, scientists and NGO representatives are attending the three-day summit, organized by the U.A.E. Ministry of Energy and Industry, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Roscongress Foundation.
