Nuclear Energy and Development

Abstract

There is a general consensus that the current pattern of energy production and consumption is not sustainable, regarding both energy supplies and the environment. There is an agreement that low-carbon energy technologies need to be adopted as soon as possible to avoid putting the world onto a potentially catastrophic trajectory. Energy is at the centre of the discussion of climate change because it contributes to over 80 per cent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Given the long life-span of energy facilities, what technologies are adopted today will affect the climate future in the next 40–60 years. A wide range of suggestions has been proposed by governments, international organisations and non-governmental organisations, by experts, government officials and laymen. There is, however, no agreement on what actions each country should take or how the international community could take necessary actions to solve energy problems.