Explores the most challenging question facing the world: how will we meet the global energy demand without destroying the planetary environment?

Dispels some of the current myths about nuclear power and gives a balanced account of nuclear safety, cost, and nuclear waste

Presents a history of the development of nuclear physics up to the emergence of the nuclear power industry

Looks specifically at safety records, including accounts of the Windscale fire, the Three Mile Island incident, and the Chernobyl disaster

Considers the potential of nuclear fusion for the future of energy supply

Part of the bestselling Very Short Introductions series

With the World desperate to find energy sources that do not emit carbon gasses, nuclear power is back on the agenda and in the news, following the increasing cost of fossil fuels and concerns about the security of their future supply.