Campaign against Nuclear Energy

World oil supplies are expected to run out by 2030 and gas by 2045. Fears of global warming are being used by the nuclear power industry to promote nuclear power as a carbon-neutral solution. However, not only is nuclear energy very expensive to produce, but nuclear waste remains highly dangerous for thousands of years and accidents could devastate huge areas.

If we are to avoid being driven into a nuclear future we must step up research and development for safe and sustainable methods of energy production. We can build better security sites for existing nuclear waste and we can phase out existing nuclear power stations. (Source: Informaction - a free automated lobbying service for anyone interested in the environment)

Recent news reports:
Waste is the key to convincing world nuclear is clean (May 23, 2001)
Nuclear renaissance has to reckon with Chernobyl (May 23, 2001)
EU calls on Europe to learn from Chernobyl disaster (May 4, 2001)

Read the editorial by environmentalist Anil Agarwal: Nuclear Madness: Even as the world abandons nuclear power, the Indian government and industry are pushing for it (February 15, 2001)

Other Links:
An Overview of Nuclear Power in India
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd.
IAEA list of world's nuclear power stations

While Germany is taking steps to phase out nuclear energy altogether, George W. Bush recently released his climate change plan for the United States which includes, among other environmentally hazardous policies "Promoting new construction of nuclear capacity that could significantly reduce future greenhouse gas emissions." The US is threatening to expedite license extensions and licenses for "advanced" reactors at the expense of safety. It is important that the rest of the world ignore this US position and find real, environmentally stable solutions to climate change, even if that means this current US administration rejects the Kyoto Protocol.

Read the news reports:
Germany pulls the plug on nuclear (May 19, 2001)
White House says nuclear reactors in US could double (May 18, 2001)
Nuclear energy poised for a comeback (April 18, 2001)
US Vice President says push needed to boost nuclear power (May 16, 2001)
More nuclear power is Bush's energy answer (May 16, 2001)
German nuclear shutdown planned ( June 12, 2001)
Germany substitutes wind for nuclear power (June 11, 201)
Germany defends nuclear power phaseout deal (June 8, 2001)

What you can do:

• Join a local group working against nuclear energy.
• Invest in alternative technology companies.
• If you can afford it, buy alternative appliances such as solar lanterns, cookers, geysers for your home.
• Encourage your housing societies and schools to purchase alternative energy technology.
  Click here for stores that sell these products in India.

The U.N. Commission on Sustainable Development convened in April 2001 to discuss whether nuclear power should be given its stamp of approval. This approval would make it much easier for nuclear power to be considered part of the solution to global warming in international agreements such as the Kyoto climate change treaty. Earth Day Network has linked up with World Information Service on Energy and Nuclear Information and Resource Service to ensure that nuclear power does not get an undeserved reputation for being eco-friendly.

Support the Worldwide Campaign for Clean Energy. Join the Earth Day Network in demanding an end to nuclear power. Sign the international petition to the U.N. Commission on Sustainable Development, and demand that nuclear power be rejected as a clean energy source.

Write a letter to your elected representatives protesting the Indian government's renewed emphasis on nuclear energy despite the dangers involved. Example of a letter you can send.