Optimism says that both hazardous chemicals and spent nuclear fuel are problems that have solutions. In the case of chemical waste, we will eventually have ent

Optimism says that both hazardous chemicals and spent nuclear fuel are problems that have solutions. In the case of chemical waste, we will eventually have entirely closed chemical cycles just like life. That is not enough of course: we must also try to avoid them ending up in the wrong places in the wrong form, and when they inevitably sometimes do, find ways to clean that up or obviate their effects.