| Re: "Nuclear power an expensive red herring," by David Suzuki, Science Matters, March 30-April 5, 2006.
David Suzuki misleads readers by saying Ontarians use 60 per cent more electricity per capita than New Yorkers.
Let's look at the big picture. New York's total per capita energy consumption is actually higher than Ontario's: 237 gigajoules per person per year versus 227 gigajoules per person per year, respectively. This is true even despite the fact Ontario has a smaller population and a larger, energy-consuming manufacturing base. Compared to New York, Ontario's energy numbers ought to be a source of some local pride.
Suzuki argues we should forget about nuclear energy – the only non-greenhouse gas-emitting power source that can effectively meet Ontario's energy requirements – and focus on conservation. If conservation is the extent of Suzuki's plan to address Ontario's looming energy crisis, Ontarians will be forced to turn out the lights – and walk away from a strong manufacturing economy.
To meet its growing energy needs as it weans itself from coal-fired power, Ontario must revitalize its nuclear energy sector, along with a big push on renewables.
Patrick Moore, PhD
Greenpeace co-founder and chair and chief scientist of Greenspirit Strategies Ltd.,
Vancouver
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