In “A Bright Future” Joshua S. Goldstein and Staffan A. Qvist argue that in order to lessen the trajectory of global warming and still provide the energy needed (and expected) in the modern world, we will be forced to increase our reliance on nuclear power. Solar and wind power are fine, but they are not increasing fast enough to offset the use of oil, gas, and coal.
Sweden and France use almost no fossil fuels. Why? Because they have turned to nuclear power. Forty percent of Sweden’s electrical needs are now met by nuclear power, equal to its hydropower. Wind and biofuels supply the rest.
I know. What about the spent fuel? What about the problems we had with Three Mile Island. Nonetheless, right now global warming is the most pressing problem. Maybe it is time to re-evaluate nuclear power.
I think we need a national initiative to produce more of our energy needs with wind and solar. It's just a matter of time before there is some kind of major disaster waiting to happen with nuclear. I know that it would be impossible with our current politics in Washington.
ReplyDeleteI agree that solar and wind are the way to go, but given current trends, it may take too long. I am proud of our solar panels on our shed roof; we generate slightly more than we use. I am also amazed that some of the red states, like Texas and Wyoming, are generating more and more power from wind. I do think that if it is a choice between nuclear energy and coal, we ought to go with nuclear. I'm hoping that is not the only choice.
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