Nuclear Power Is Not the Answer

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.

In a world torn apart by wars over oil, politicians have increasingly begun to look for alternative energy sources—and their leading choice is nuclear energy. Among the myths that have been spread over the years about nuclear-powered electricity are that it does not cause global warming or pollution, that it is inexpensive, and that it is safe.

Helen Caldicott's look at the actual costs and environmental consequences of nuclear energy belies the incessant barrage of nuclear industry propaganda. Caldicott "reveals truths," Martin Sheen has said, "that confirm we must take positive action now if we are to make a difference." In fact, nuclear power contributes to global warming; the true cost of nuclear power is prohibitive, with taxpayers picking up most of the tab; there's simply not enough uranium in the world to sustain nuclear power over the long term; and the potential for a catastrophic accident or a terrorist attack far outweighs any benefits. Concluding chapters detail alternative sustainable energy sources that are the key to a clean, green future.