BRATTLEBORO — The Windham World Affairs Council (WWAC)will offer a free screening of Journey to the Safest Place on Earth, Edgar Hagen's 2014 documentary (110 minutes, English with some subtitles). The event takes place Saturday, Feb. 26, at 3 p.m., at 118 Elliot, 118 Elliot St. Viewers can choose to attend the film in person or watch it online.
This film focuses on the global search for places to store nuclear waste, including the abandoned Yucca Mountain project, which, despite geologic concerns and intense local opposition, federal law still names as the nation's first permanent disposal site.
In the film, Swiss-based nuclear physicist and internationally renowned repository specialist Charles McCombie and some of his most important allies provide insight into their persistent struggle to find the safest place on Earth. Despite progress on deep geologic facilities in Finland and China, safeguarding this waste remains an extremely expensive and elusive prospect globally.
At 5 p.m., following the film, participants in WWAC's nuclear study group will share details on the Biden Administration's plans for nuclear energy production and a new generation of nuclear weapons deployment.
According to the news release, the community discussion that follows “will help people understand and potentially contribute toward the U.S. Department of Energy's call for . . . comments on its new round of 'consent-based siting' for nuclear waste facilities by March 4, 2022.”
118 Elliot offers excellent ventilation, but the audience will be capped at a 30-person maximum with masks required. To watch on the big screen at 118 Elliot, register at bit.ly/652-nuclear. To watch ahead of time online for $5 using the Vimeo streaming service, go to bit.ly/652-journey. Those who opt to watch ahead of time are invited to join the 5 p.m. in-person discussion at 118 Elliot.