Greenhouse Gas Emissions or Nuclear Power – Pick your Poison

With the ever-growing concern of greenhouse gas emissions affecting climate change (not to mention energy dependency and rising costs), the idea of using alternative energy is sexier than ever.  But what are the alternatives to fossil fuels?  As solar and wind power are still embryonic in their application to real-world demand, the only other viable source is nuclear.  And that’s not much of a choice.

This dilemma is hardly new.  The world was toying with the idea of using nuclear power during the energy crisis of the 1970’s.  The subject was controversial then and continues to be a subject that polarizes the world.  But when all the dust settles from the endless debates (pro or con) – we still have no clear-cut solutions.  We are between a rock and hard place. 

In the end, I foresee many countries (mainly Europe) switching to nuclear energy in the next 15 years (disregarding waste disposal problems) as a dependent way to obtain energy needs.  But all it takes is another Chernobyl before the plants begin closing again and anti-nuclear slogans become the new environmental "hype du jour".  And Greenhouse gas emissions / climate change will be pushed to the back burner as other more fashionable initiatives take center stage. 

However, one can still hope for solar power to gain the advantage in years to come.

by

Erin Swanson

ESwanson@enviance.com