Energy policy and global warming: Difference between revisions
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{{Image|Low-carbon-share-energy.png|right|350px|Fig.8 Few countries are now on track.}} | {{Image|Low-carbon-share-energy.png|right|350px|Fig.8 Few countries are now on track.}} | ||
{{Image|SMR temperature.png|left|350px|Fig.9 Decarbonizing industry will require vast amounts of process heat, either directly from a nuclear reactor, or using hydrogen as an intermediary.}} | {{Image|SMR temperature.png|left|350px|Fig.9 Decarbonizing industry will require vast amounts of process heat, either directly from a nuclear reactor, or using hydrogen as an intermediary.}} | ||
Climate scientists tell us that our consumption of fossil fuels is raising atmospheric CO2 levels, causing rapid global warming, and risking catastrophic climate change. Most people now accept these conclusions, but there is still debate over whether the replacement for fossil fuels should include nuclear power. Many | Climate scientists tell us that our consumption of fossil fuels is raising atmospheric CO2 levels, causing rapid global warming, and risking catastrophic climate change. Most people now accept these conclusions, but there is still debate over whether the replacement for fossil fuels should include nuclear power. Many believe that nuclear power cannot be made safe and clean.<ref>See [[Nuclear power reconsidered]] for discussion of these concerns.</ref> Others believe that an energy policy that does not include nuclear is unrealistic. | ||
This article is a brief review of the options for decarbonizing our world. | |||
== The Magnitude of the Problem == | == The Magnitude of the Problem == | ||
== A Plan for the Future == | == A Plan for the Future == |
Revision as of 21:19, 29 May 2022
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Climate scientists tell us that our consumption of fossil fuels is raising atmospheric CO2 levels, causing rapid global warming, and risking catastrophic climate change. Most people now accept these conclusions, but there is still debate over whether the replacement for fossil fuels should include nuclear power. Many believe that nuclear power cannot be made safe and clean.[1] Others believe that an energy policy that does not include nuclear is unrealistic. This article is a brief review of the options for decarbonizing our world.
The Magnitude of the Problem
A Plan for the Future
The Problems with Wind and Solar Alone
- use of land and mineral resources
- need for 100% fossil fuel backup
The Need for Immediate Action
Further Reading
Electrifying Our World Robert Hargraves' excellent overview of energy, the growth human civilization, and possible solutions to the current climate crisis.
Our World in Data has a section on Energy and Environment with nice interactive graphics.
World Nuclear Information Library a well-organized authoritative collection of information on nuclear power.
Notes and References
- ↑ See Nuclear power reconsidered for discussion of these concerns.