The Nuclear Option and Climate Change - A Necessary Part of Canada's Kyoto Implementation Strategy

Abstract

Nuclear power is clean sustainable electricity, and should be a part of Canada's implementation strategy to meet its Kyoto Protocol commitments. Canada has world leading nuclear technology, systems and fuel supply capabilities that can benefit Canada, both by enhancing domestic actions and by leveraging the Flexibility Mechanisms incorporated into the Kyoto Protocol. This paper illustrates these objectives by first reviewing the current state of the nuclear industry in Canada and the global commitment to nuclear power generation. The past, current and future potential of nuclear power generation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is highlighted. Specific examples are presented to show that Canadian exports are significantly reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. This paper demonstrates that nuclear generation of electricity is one of the leading sustainable development technologies and should be used, along with all other forms of low and zero-emitting greenhouse gas technologies, by Canada and other nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.