Going Nuclear: How the Atom Will Save the Planet

What if climate change isn't an environmental challenge, but an energy challenge? In this visionary book, Dr Tim Gregory urges us to rethink the path to net zero. He argues that the solution to climate change lies not simply in replacing fossil fuels with renewables, but in fully embracing another energy source that emits zero carbon dioxide: nuclear power. Gregory dismantles the conventional wisdom that renewables such as wind and solar are completely ‘green’, and debunks myths surrounding nuclear waste and radiation, demonstrating that nuclear power is not only reliable, safe and potent, but the most environmentally responsible way to harvest energy. Going Nuclear calls for decarbonisation to be the twenty-first century's Apollo programme. By interweaving scientific optimism, myth-busting data, and ambitious policy ideas, Gregory illustrates the boundless potential of the atom beyond just clean energy: from advanced medicine and forensics to atomic gardening and space exploration. This is a bold case for an alternative, sustainable and prosperous future: a world in which abundant energy is available to all. Energy is necessary for everything we value in life, and the world will need gargantuan amounts of safe and reliable power to eliminate poverty, decarbonise the economy, and feed entirely new demands like artificial intelligence. Going Nuclear shows where this energy will come from―and not as a last resort, but as the enabler of a new chapter in human progress. This is a thrilling book: vividly written, filled with fascinating facts, and inspiring in its vision for the future. Steven Pinker ― Johnstone Professor, Harvard University, and the author of ENLIGHTENMENT NOW Fascinating … You’ve won Jimmy over, I wish politicians answered like scientists. Informed facts over uninformed opinions. Great. James O'Brien ― LBC This book is a highly engaging and lucid primer on nuclear technology. Steven Poole ― Telegraph Deeply researched … persuasive ... a strong, carefully argued case. Nick Rennison ― Mail on Sunday You will struggle to find anyone who brings nuclear power to life quite like Tim Gregory. You can feel the enthusiasm jump from the page. There’s lots to debate, but I challenge you to read this book and not be excited about how we get on and power the world with sustainable energy for the next century. Hannah Ritchie ― author of NOT THE END OF THE WORLD [A] bible ... Gregory’s case is that nuclear power is humanity’s only hope. Carbon dioxide emissions would vanish as an issue in a nuclear world ... His argument is powerful and it would be interesting to see a counter argument by somebody ... who writes and thinks as well as Gregory. But perhaps there is no such person. Bryan Appleyard ― The Spectator A passionate, accessible, and timely manifesto that reframes nuclear energy not as a necessary evil but as humanity's most promising tool for addressing climate change, energy poverty and a sustainable future. Kirsty Gogan ― Founding Director of Terra Praxis Gregory is an excellent popular science writer: clear as a bell and gently humorous. Dorian Lynskey ― The Guardian A bold reframing of one of the most misunderstood technologies of the modern age. With clarity, wit and a scientist’s eye for precision ... This book stands out for its capacity to disarm. Nuclear power is here made not only comprehensible but also compelling ... In an age of climate anxiety and technological pessimism, Going Nuclear offers a hopeful alternative. Tone Langengen ― Senior Policy Advisor (Climate and Energy Policy) at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change