Hence I contend that we should get started on developing safe breeder reactors which convert Uranium238 to nuclear fuel and/or breeder reactors that convert Thorium to fuel. Uranium238 is a large resource and Thorium is a vast resource, capable of providing our energy needs for millennia. This is a large technical undertaking that will take decades, but the long term need for it is really beyond question.
Conclusion
Like the Titanic, we are in a situation where no desirable outcome is possible. However, we must do what we can to work for the best possible outcome.
The first step is to desist with the denial of the problems and the fantasy that everything is OK; that the market will sort it out. This involves informing the public about the seriousness of our predicament. The second step is to get stuck in and do what we can to adapt to our new situation.
Advertisement
Most sincerely,
Lionel Orford
This is a shortened version of Lionel Orford's open letter. The full version can be found here (PDF 97KB).
Discuss in our Forums
See what other readers are saying about this article!
Click here to read & post comments.
25 posts so far.
About the Author
Lionel Orford is a professional electrical engineer with a long standing interest in renewable energy, energy sustainability and climate change. Lionel has studied the peak oil issue in depth since 2004. See here for further reading on peak oil and other energy and societal issues.
reddit this
Del.icio.us
Seed Newsvine
StumbleUpon
