Both are indeed realities which we must tackle. But in our preoccupation with these problems, we must not forget that nuclear energy is used for enormous benefit to mankind and that its potential for further use is great. We must not forget that nuclear techniques are of central and growing importance in medicine. The use of radioisotopes is of great value in diagnostic work and the use of radiation is still a principal method of treating many forms of cancer. We must not forget that nuclear techniques are helping us to achieve better crops and to protect them.
Nuclear agriculture is an important branch.
New strains of seeds are provoked by radiation and some are found that are more resistant to drought or salt or cold. We must not ignore the Chernobyl accident, but consistently strengthen nuclear safety - phase out or modify reactors that are not up to high standards, design new, safer, easier to operate plants. Hydro power is already exploited fully in large areas of the world and renewable sources like wind power and solar power do not yield the quantities we look for. Within foreseeable time nuclear power is the main alternative, if we wish to avoid increasing our use of the fossil fuels which all give rise to carbon dioxide and thereby contribute to the risk of global warming. I am not suggesting that nuclear power is the solution to the global warming or acid rain.