The Anti-Nuclear Game

Richard G. Kuhn is an assistant professor of geography at the University
of Guelph.

Controversy has surrounded nuclear power for many years. Indeed,
detractors have often claimed that nuclear power represents the epitome
of much that is wrong with Western society. Alternatively, proponents
have seen nuclear power as a source of almost-limitless safe energy.
Although recent concerns over the effect of fossil fuels may have caused
some parties to reconsider the nuclear option, the controversy has not
subsided, and will likely not subside for many years.

Sims’s book squarely addresses groups opposing nuclear power in
Canada. As a long-time supporter of nuclear power, he has heard many
arguments for and against its use. Evident throughout the text is his
frustration, both with the “antinuclear establishment” for
propagating what he terms lies and deceptions, and with the nuclear
industry for not adequately defending itself. Indeed, parts of the book
are more a polemic diatribe than an honest rendering of the issues.
Nonetheless, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the
nuclear debate in Canada. The book will not resolve the issues, and will
perhaps not convince as many people as Sims would like. What it will do,
however, is challenge the reader.