Nuclear energy´s role in a more sustainable future

Increased population growth and economic development are accelerating the rate at which energy, and in particular electrical energy is being demanded. All methods of electricity generation have consequences for the environment so meeting this growth in demand while safeguarding the environment poses a growing challenge. Many nations, now conscious of the impact of industry on the environment, are seeking ways to preserve more of the world´s natural capital for future generations. There will always be a conflict between the provision of vital goods and services, such as electricity, and the implications for the environment. Energy is an essential element in the debate about sustainable development and how to achieve it. There is a strong correlation between people´s standard of living-measured by gross national product per capita-and energy consumption. Informed decision-making can lead to a more sustainable energy future and a cleaner environment. This paper examines how the world´s voracious demands for energy may be made more consistent with this concept of sustainable development. In particular the role that nuclear power might play in filling the growing gap between what the world wants to consume in terms of energy and what the environment tells us we can sustain is considered