Media Release
October 18, 2006
A debate which divides like nuclear fission
Against the threatening backdrop of climate change, our world is
thirsty for energy. Nuclear power has been touted by many politicians
and even some environmentalists as a clean, green alternative. Others,
however, say the nuclear renaissance is just an impressive feat of
public relations.
No-one can deny the facts: fossil fuels are fast becoming an
unsustainable source of energy, and conveniently, Australia has some 40
per cent of the earth’s natural uranium deposits.
With the nation edging closer towards a nuclear industry, the nuclear
debate is one that needs to be had. Fears of nuclear proliferation, and
of the potential economic, environment and health costs all loom large.
Among the concerns are questions about the potential greenhouse impact
of carbon emissions when low grade uranium replaces depleted stocks of
high grade uranium.
But without nuclear energy, what are our options? How much more
efficient is nuclear energy in economic and environmental terms? Will
renewable energy ever be a feasible substitute for coal and gas-fired
energy?
On October 25, a UniSA
Hawke Centre event,
Nuclear Energy Debate: Going nuclear – an answer to global warming?
will put Adelaide at the epicentre of this important issue.
Thrashing out the issues will be nuclear advocate of international
repute,
Ian Hore-Lacy. His opposition will be the highly-esteemed
Dr Mark
Diesendorf, an academic who has forged a career in sustainable
energy systems.
Hore-Lacy, author and prominent media spokesman, holds the dual roles of
Director for Public Communications with the World Nuclear Association,
an international trade association based in London, and also Director,
Uranium Information for the Australian Uranium Association in Melbourne,
which he has effectively held from 1995.
Dr Diesendorf is co-founder and vice-president of the Sustainable Energy
Industries Council of Australia. He is also a senior lecturer in
sustainable energy and urban transport at the Institute of Environmental
Studies at the University of New South Wales, and co-author of the
national energy scenario study, "A Clean Energy Future for Australia".
Chaired by eminent radio broadcaster and newspaper columnist
Terry Lane,
the debate is set to be an engaging and informative event.
Nuclear Energy Debate: Going nuclear – an answer to global warming?
The second in a series of annual debates dedicated to the memory of John
Smith a passionate environmentalist, solar energy proponent, educator
and keen debater.
Co-presented by The Australia and New Zealand Solar Energy Society (ANZSES)
and The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre at UniSA
FREE but bookings are essential on (08) 8302 0215 or online at
www.hawkecentre.unisa.edu.au
Wednesday 25 October – UniSA City East Campus, Basil Hetzel Building,
Mutual Community Theatre
6.45pm for 7.00pm start (off Frome Road)
Contact to arrange interviews
- Elizabeth Ho, Director, Hawke Centre office (08) 8302 3071 email elizabeth.ho@unisa.edu.au
Media contact
- Rebecca Gill office (08) 8302 0096 mobile 0404 85 7977 email rebecca.gill@unisa.edu.au