Australia's Energy Use and Export

Abstract

Australia is dependent on fossil fuel and exports significant quantities of coal and gas. Additionally, it has major uranium reserves and is the world's second largest exporter. It has one research reactor but no nuclear power electricity generation. Until 2007, Australia declined to endorse the Kyoto Protocol but has volunteered to limit the growth of CO₂ emissions. This paper considers the greenhouse debate and nuclear energy. It concludes that whether the cause of global warming is the use of fossil fuel or solar activity, the remedy is the same. Reducing CO₂ in the atmosphere will allow more heat to escape to space. Reducing the use of fossil fuel will reduce atmospheric CO₂. For environmental, economic and global reasons the more populated Australian states should now consider the use of nuclear powered electricity generation.