Book Review: Uranium
“Man’s most carnal tendencies are inflamed by the most modern of elements, uranium.”
War, terrorism, treason, energy, and renaissance — the basic elements of uranium as vividly described in the new book, “Uranium: War, Energy, And The Rock That Shaped The World” by Tom Zoellner. This is a fantastic true tale of the quest for “nuclear fission,” the devastation it caused, its role as an “energy savior,” the worldwide frenzy to develop nuclear bombs, and the “nuclear renaissance” on the horizon.
In the 40s and 50s nuclear energy was going to save the world. People couldn’t get the word “atomic” into their lives fast enough incorporating “atomic” into the names of towns, businesses and sandwiches. The Atlantic Monthly wrote in the article, “The Control of Energy,” in 1955, “Reactors to produce electric power from nuclear fuels are now being built both here and abroad, and some soon to be designed should give enough power to fill the needs of the largest city. All of the electrical power now used in the United States could in theory be produced from 60 tons of uranium.”
Well, uranium has not saved the world. In fact, many would argue that its wrecked more hell than help. The US government conspired for decades to deny that nuclear fallout caused life-threatening health issues, and environmentalists can’t agree on whether nuclear energy is “green”. “One of the manifest ironies of the “nuclear renaissance,” though, is that it relies on image of atomic power as a green technology,” writes Zoellner.
Many thought the debate over nuclear energy was cooled but in fact its as heated as ever. There is a vocal worldwide debate about the fate of nuclear energy and its role as a green alternative to coal. Uranium is one of the most abundant elements in the world and ours for the taking. The United States is working on bringing several new nuclear facilities online, the first in more than two decades, and while France is adding more nuclear plants Germany is shutting all their nuclear facilities down citing environmental issues. Yet a handful of countries trying to build nuclear facilities are being denied access to the technology citing “terrorism” concerns.
No one knows how this story is going to end, but I’m certain of two things. First, the movement to clean, domestic renewable energy is not an option. Second, you must read this book.
You can buy Uranium or any other book I’ve reviewed by clicking here.
4 Comments
Paul Burke - Author Journey Home
Wherever you fall on the political spectrum we all agree pollution is bad. We are running around with traces of pesticides and pollutants in our blood stream. Dirty energy causes war – resource wars – there is one going on right now.
If the US Government dumped half the money it spent on securing oil fields and subsidizing coal and oil – on natural gas, geothermal, wind, solar thermal and energy efficiency (40 miles per gallon) we could say good bye to the middle east and their problems.
Right now oil and nuclear energy are the cause and the threat of global terrorism.
We are in their countries taking their oil with our armies based on their land supporting un-elected kings and royalty who subjugate their people – damn right they are pissed off. It’s a power struggle people and we wouldn’t be there (Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the surrounding countries) if it wasn’t for the oil. Who doesn’t get that?
What are we so worried about in Iran – nuclear power spinning off bombs – not to mention the half-life of the nuclear waste and still – decades later no safe way to get rid of it – oil and nuclear power – thanks but no thanks – coal – forget about it – eliminating jobs by blasting mountain tops clear off, and destroying Appalachia’s communities, water, air, natural beauty and potential tourist dollars. Dirty energy has outlived it’s usefulness. The powers that be need to recalibrate. The fight for their turf on Capital Hill is pulling down the economy at this most critical moment.
But their is a light, a hope and it’s the ready now clean energy sector that will deliver us safely into the future with high paying jobs an upgraded and smart grid, and get our troops off foreign soil calming the locals down. You can’t blame the Americans if we’re not there.
Innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit is what drives the markets and this country. The status quo is being beyond greedy not to graciously help open up the playing field for the good of the country, the economy, the markets, international relations and our health. The Status Quo in a word is un-American.
Boo hooing over the fact they are on the wrong side of stewardship, innovation and common sense is to be expected. Don’t fall for their rhetoric and vote their representatives out of Congress. The future is knocking on the door – loudly. Only the blind can’t see it, only the greedy deny it.
Paul Burke
Author-Journey Home
Clean Energy NOW
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