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Overview
The world-renowned antinuclear activist's myth-busting look at the real costs and consequences of nuclear energy."Dr. Caldicott is one of the most articulate and passionate advocates of citizen action to remedy the nuclear and environmental crises."—from the citation for the 2003 Lannan Cultural Freedom Prize
In a world torn apart by wars over oil, many politicians are increasingly looking for alternative sources of energy—and their leading choice is often nuclear. Among the myths that have been spread over the years about nuclear-powered electricity are that it does not cause global warming or pollution (i.e., that it is "clean and green"), that it is inexpensive, and that it is safe. But the facts belie the barrage of nuclear industry propaganda:
Nuclear power contributes to global warming
The real costs of nuclear power are prohibitive (and taxpayers pick up most of them)
There's not enough uranium in the world to sustain long-term nuclear power
Potential for a catastrophic accident or terrorist attack far outweighs any benefits.
Trained as a physician, and—after four decades of antinuclear activism—thoroughly versed in the science of nuclear energy, the bestselling author of Nuclear Madness and Missile Envy here turns her attention from nuclear bombs to nuclear lightbulbs. As she makes meticulously clear in this damning book, the world cannot withstand either.
Synopsis
The world-renowned antinuclear activist's myth-busting look at the real costs and consequences of nuclear energy.
"Dr. Caldicott is one of the most articulate and passionate advocates of citizen action to remedy the nuclear and environmental crises."—from the citation for the 2003 Lannan Cultural Freedom Prize
In a world torn apart by wars over oil, many politicians are increasingly looking for alternative sources of energy—and their leading choice is often nuclear. Among the myths that have been spread over the years about nuclear-powered electricity are that it does not cause global warming or pollution (i.e., that it is "clean and green"), that it is inexpensive, and that it is safe. But the facts belie the barrage of nuclear industry propaganda:
• Nuclear power contributes to global warming
• The real costs of nuclear power are prohibitive (and taxpayers pick up most of them)
• There's not enough uranium in the world to sustain long-term nuclear power
• Potential for a catastrophic accident or terrorist attack far outweighs any benefits.
Trained as a physician, and—after four decades of antinuclear activism—thoroughly versed in the science of nuclear energy, the bestselling author of Nuclear Madness and Missile Envy here turns her attention from nuclear bombs to nuclear lightbulbs. As she makes meticulously clear in this damning book, the world cannot withstand either.
Publishers Weekly
Caldecott's latest antinuke book searingly debunks the claim that the impending "nuclear power renaissance," purported by some to be the only answer to global warming, is "clean and green." She covers all the bases, from the carbon emitted in the creation of nuclear power (higher than fossil fuels if the entire process from uranium mining to waste disposal is included) to the cost of nuclear plants (too high to be viable without large government subsidies) and the health risks and possibility of accidents and terrorists' access (more than we'd like to think). She also points out that, despite proponents' assurances, we still haven't found a safe place to store the waste materials for the necessary thousands of years, and that state-of-the-art nuclear plant technology is still full of unresolved problems. Caldecott's predictable alternative is also sensible: switch to wind and other benign renewables, turn down the thermostat, wear a sweater, use energy efficient lights and dry clothes on the clothesline. Detractors will complain that she is strident and incendiary, but those who believe that facts matter will want to read her frighteningly convincing argument. (Sept.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.