Stichting Laka

Publication Laka-library:
Nuclear power, energy insecurity (analyses & alternatives: briefing 2008) (2008)

Author	Greenpeace
	6-01-0-00-259.pdf
Date	February 2008
Classification	6.01.0.00/259 (GENERAL)
Front

Nuclear power
energy insecurity

Introduction

The world today is confronted with dangerous climate change, threatening the lives 
of millions of people and the ecological integrity of the entire planet. Experts warn 
that fundamental changes must be made to energy production and use within the 
next ten years to avert its worst impacts. We must reduce the carbon dioxide (CO2) 
emissions from fossil fuels that cause climate change. The decisions and investments 
made now about energy supply and infrastructure will affect the next 50 years of 
electricity generation.

Against this global backdrop the nuclear industry has made concerted efforts to 
promote itself as "clean" energy and politicians and the media have latched on to 
nuclear power as a potential energy security solution. In 2005, US President 
George W. Bush said, "A secure energy future for America must include more 
nuclear power." (1) José-Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, 
said that nuclear power can meet "growing concerns about security of supply. " (2)

These statements have little grounding in reality. The facts disprove nuclear 
industry spin and political support.