Energy or extinction? : the case for nuclear energy / Fred Hoyle.

"Without energy resources on a vast scale our present society cannot survive. We must have continuing access to the fuels we need; yet the fuels we use are running out at a time when world energy consumption is certain to rise further, even if population stabilises, as the standard of living of the Third World rises towards that of the West. Estimates are thar our energy requirements will stabilise at around 6.1014 kWh per year. Current reserves of oil and gas could supply this for a mere 10 years: reserves of coal and lignite for only 80 years. We must rid ourselves of our current dependence on hydrocarbon fuels, but how? Time is short: we need a solution now. According to Fred Hoyle, the technology to tap solar energy, wind or wave power on a large enough scale just does not exist. These sources will be incapable of supplying our energy requirements for the forseeable [sic] future. He considers nuclear fission to be the only source currently capable of supplying our needs. The technology exists, it is safe, it is reliable and it need not use the infamous fast breeder reactor. The CANDU reactor, breeding from a thorium/uranium mixture, can solve our problem, at least until the technology required to tap the energy of fusion has been developed. This polemic is the central theme of the book. But Sir Fred fills in the scientific background necessary to appreciate his arguments in his usual lucid, direct style, so that his book can act as an ideal introduction for those unfamiliar with the energy debate. This short important book is unashamedly provocative. This short important book is unashamedly provocative. It hints at sinister motives behind the arguments of some factions in the environmental lobby. It should be widely read by all concerned in this problem, which is central to the future of life on this planet." -- Provided by publisher.