Essential Skill #54: Say "Nuclear" Correctly

"First things first: 'nuclear' is not pronounced 'new-cue-ler," writes author David de Rothschild in The Global Warming Survival Handbook. "Or 'new-cler.' Since it's likely to be rolling off more tongues than ever in the coming years, it's best to get that straightened out right now."

It's Essential Skill #54 in The Handbook: Say "Nuclear" Correctly.

But really, the way you pronounce the word is of little consequence. What matters most is that you get the facts on this potentially devastating "solution" to global warming.

Despite all its drawbacks and dangers, even some environmentalists who once spoke against it are embracing nuclear power, desperate for any other way to power the planet without fossil fuels. But is it really worth the risk considering the following fact?

"In order for nuclear energy to displace enough fossil-fuel energy to make any real difference in global warming," writes de Rothschild, "worldwide nuclear output would have to double by 2050 and continue at that capacity for at least 50 years."

But here's the real kicker.

"Even that massive increase of atomic energy ... would only prevent .33 degrees Fahrenheit of global temperature rise."

Weigh that pro against the cons, and the balance seems rather out of whack, don't you think?

The drawbacks of nuclear energy include:

• Nuclear plant meltdowns
• Problem of how to safely store nuclear waste (which remains active for thousands of years)
• Possibility of it falling into terrorist hands
• Nuclear energy is not a renewable resource, as uranium reserves are limited

Instead of investing in the potential dangers of nuclear energy, encourage your leaders to use your tax dollars to concentrate on clean, renewable alternative technologies, like wind power, hydropower and geothermal power.