Going Nuclear

Credit: 2 hour

Today, nuclear reactors generate nearly one quarter of the electricity in nations representing two thirds of humanity, and other nuclear applications are integral to many aspects of the world economy. Nuclear fission remains an important option for meeting energy requirements and maintaining a balanced worldwide energy policy; With major countries expanding nuclear energy's role and new countries poised to introduce it, the key issue is not whether the use of nuclear technology will grow worldwide, even if public opinion concerning safety, the economics of nuclear power, and waste disposal issues adversely affect the general acceptance of nuclear power, but whether it will grow fast enough to make a decisive contribution to the global imperative of sustainable development. A corollary question is whether the world's institutional support for nuclear power and other nuclear applications will be configured to realize the full environmental and developmental value of this technology, while managing all associated risks.

Course Number:  ODP1006

Field of Study: Environmental

Level: Basic

Presenter:
Ronald Finger

Prerequisites:
None

Advanced Preparation:
None