Let's imagine we are on a highway. Just a few kilometers from the horizon lies the ultimate consumption of our planet's fossil fuel reserves. Before we reach this inevitable destination, there are several outputs we can turn off to potentially delay the loss of the energy sources we primarily depend on. The names of these dams are familiar: solar, nuclear, wind and hydroelectric. Although all of these measures have been implemented to varying degrees, only nuclear energy provides a solid and practical solution to the looming energy crisis. However, nuclear energy produces radioactive waste which can have serious consequences on people's lives as well as the environment. Other problems include high costs, accidents, waste disposal and limited uranium supplies. Although there is considerable controversy, this is a necessary step toward energy dependence that provides a short-term solution to the dwindling supply of fossil fuels. In order to find common ground, nuclear energy should be used, but should not be the main source of energy in our distant future. It is impossible to highlight the positive aspects of nuclear energy without also recognizing the disadvantages. Dan Becker, director of the Sierra Club's Global Warming and Energy Program, explained: “Radioactive waste is one of the most dangerous materials known to mankind. It can kill in high doses and cause cancer and birth defects in low doses. Nuclear waste remains dangerous for humans for 200 thousand years” (1). The long time it must be isolated casts doubt on the ability to guarantee a safe disposal system. The nuclear industry and some members of Congress propose dumping waste into Yucca Mountain; however, the mountain is in the middle of paper......it is the safest energy alternative available. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nuclear energy is the most reliable mass-produced energy source and is safer than coal or natural gas (1). Perhaps the greatest danger facing our world today is the combination of global warming and the greenhouse effect. This danger is due in part to the burning of fossil fuels which has led to a polluted atmosphere. Nuclear energy, however, constitutes a much more ecological alternative. It is very important to maintain environmental responsibility, as is the search for alternative energy sources. The best course of action is not to view nuclear energy as the ultimate solution, but rather to use it to its full potential, thereby reducing the need for fossil fuels. This creates an extended window of time during which cleaner, safer technologies can be refined and improved to more efficient levels...