Stichting Laka

Publicatie Laka-bibliotheek:
Nuclear Power – Myth and Reality (summary) (2006)

Auteur	F.Matthes, G.Rosenkranz, H.Böll Foundation
Datum	2006
Classificatie	6.01.0.00/240 (ALGEMEEN)
Opmerking	Also available in Ukrainian (6.01.0.00/239), Russian (6.01.0.00/242) and German (6.01.0.00/244)
Voorkant

1. Introduction

The deep divide over nuclear power is nearly as old as its commercial use. The early 
dreams of its proponents have faded, whereas the high risks have remained, as well 
as the danger of misuse by military interests. Terrorism has introduced a dramatic, 
concrete threat. Global warming and the finite nature of fossil fuels do not dispel the 
major safety issues associated with nuclear power and the "accident-proof' reactor 
has remained an unfulfilled promise now for decades.

Artificial warming of earth's atmosphere will surely pose one of the greatest 
challenges of the 21st century but there are less hazardous ways to deal with this 
problem than by using nuclear power. Nuclear power is not sustainable, because its 
fissile fuel materials are as limited as fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas. 
Moreover, its radioactive by-products must be isolated from the biosphere for 
periods of time that defy human imagination.

Nuclear energy is not only a high-risk technology in terms of safety, but also with 
respect to financial investment because without state subsidies, it does not stand a 
chance in a market economy. Under special, state-controlled conditions, companies 
continue to profit from nuclear energy. Extending the licences of older reactors is an 
attractive option for operators but disproportionately increases the risk of major 
accident. In addition, there will always be regimes that view and promote civilian use 
of nuclear fission as a steppingstone towards acquiring an atomic bomb. Moreover, 
since September 11th 2001 it has been clear that these vulnerable and very hazardous 
sites represent an additional target for unscrupulous and violent non-governmental 
forces. For this reason, nuclear power will also continue to divide public opinion 
for as long as it remains in use.

Deze publicatie is alleen op papier bij Laka beschikbaar, niet als pdf.
Publicaties zijn te leen of informeer of we een kopie kunnen maken. Soms, als we tijd hebben, lukt dat tegen kostprijs van de kopieën.