This paper argues that if Australia continues to exclude nuclear power, it will likely remain the OECD's highest per capita greenhouse gas emitter.

The governments of most major industrial economies have concluded that if the world is serious about mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, nuclear power, along with conservation and renewables, must be part of the energy mix. This applies just as much to Australia as to other countries. Considering the long lead times for establishing nuclear power – 10-15 years for a country starting out – Australia cannot afford to defer the issue indefinitely.