Nuclear power is not the answer

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 many myths that have been spread over the years about nuclear-powered electricity are that it does not cause global warming or pollution (that it is "clean and green"), that it is inexpensive, and that it is safe.

However, 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; nuclear power plants cause disease even when they're operating properly; the 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 light bulbs.

As she makes meticulously clear in this damning little book, the world cannot withstand either.