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(December 2009)
As concern about global warming has grown, a number of high-profile environmentalists have decided that this is a more serious problem than their previous concerns with nuclear power. They have to varying degrees either changed their public stance, or conceded that since nuclear power is virtually emission-free regarding CO2, it merits at least grudging support as part of the response to increasing atmospheric CO2 levels and depletion of fossil fuels.
Among such people are:Dr Patrick Moore, co-founder of Greenpeace, now co-chair Clean & Safe Energy Coalition, USA Stephen Tindale, Director of Greenpeace UK to 2005Stewart Brand, editor of the Whole Earth Catalog, USAChristine Todd Whitman, former Administrator, US EPA, now co-chair Clean & Safe Energy Coalition, USASteve Cochran, Director of National Climate Campaign, Environmental Defense Fund, USAMark Lynas, Environment editor New Statesman and active in Green Party, UKGeorge Monbiot, columnist The Guardian, UKLord Smith of Finsbury, Chair of UK Environment AgencyChris Goodall, Green Party activist, UK
The following does not do full justice to either pro or anti positions. In particular, some simple assertions require detailed rebuttal. However, facts are available which are relevant to the assertions and which are vital for responsible decision making.
The underlying question is how electricity is best produced now and in the years to come. Uranium mining is simply a means to that end. Greenhouse concerns will be an increasing constraint on fossil fuel use.
WNA info paper: Environmental aspects of U mining,
WNA info papers: Waste management & nuclear fuel cycle,
Radioactive waste management
WNA info papers: Safety of nuclear power reactors,
Advanced reactors,
Chernobyl accident,
TMI accident.
WNA info papers: Sustainable energy,
Renewable energy & electricity
WNA info papers: Plutonium,
Mixed oxide fuel
WNA info papers: Nuclear power in the world today,
World energy needs & nuclear power,
Uranium markets
WNA info papers: Global warming,
Sustainable energy,
Energy subsidies & external costs,
Energy Balances & CO2 implications
Folklore and fantasies
Some 'green' assertions get quoted frequently, despite having been answered many times and despite the increasing volume of data which shows them up as nonsense.
The industry can accept that some people will have different views on the virtues of nuclear power and the uranium which fuels it, and respects those views. However, when they appear to be based, and are argued, on the basis of falsehood and misrepresentation, that acceptance and respect becomes tenuous and may be forfeited.