Fossil Fuels and climate change
Climate change is caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other polluting greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. Scientists say human activities, such as burning coal, oil and gas in power stations to generate our electricity, are to blame. 30% of the UK's CO2 emissions are created by the conventional electricity industry.
Nuclear power
The nuclear industry in the UK is currently promoting nuclear power as a non-polluting solution to climate change and there are signs that the UK Government is considering the idea.
Nuclear power is inherently unsafe. A typical nuclear reactor has a usual life of around 30-40 years, yet it leaves a legacy of radioactive waste for many thousands of years.