The world-renowned antinuclear activist's myth-busting look at the real costs and consequences of nuclear energy. "Dr. Caldicott is one of the most articulate and passionate advocates of citizen action to remedy the nuclear and environmental crises."--from the citation for the 2003 Lannan Cultural Freedom Prize In a world torn apart by wars over oil, many politicians are increasingly looking for alternative sources of energy--and their leading choice is often nuclear. Among the myths that have been spread over the years about nuclear-powered electricity are that it does not cause global warming or pollution (i.e., that it is "clean and green"), that it is inexpensive, and that it is safe. But the facts belie the barrage of nuclear industry propaganda: Nuclear power contributes to global warming The real costs of nuclear power are prohibitive (and taxpayers pick up most of them) There's not enough uranium in the world to sustain long-term nuclear power Potential for a catastrophic accident or terrorist attack far outweighs any benefits. Trained as a physician, and--after four decades of antinuclear activism--thoroughly versed in the science of nuclear energy, the bestselling author of Nuclear Madness and Missile Envy here turns her attention from nuclear bombs to nuclear lightbulbs. As she makes meticulously clear in this damning book, the world cannot withstand either.

Helen Caldicott is the president of the Nuclear Policy Research Institute.