ABSTRACT
Global energy consumption in the last half century has rapidly increased and is expected to continue to grow over the next 50 years, however, with significant differences. The past increase was stimulated by relatively "cheap" fossil fuels and increased rates of industrialization in North America, Europe, and Japan; yet while energy consumption in these countries continues to increase, additional factors make the picture for the next 50 years more complex. The major sectors using primary energy sources include electrical power, transportation, heating and cooling, industrial and others, such as cooking. Increased use of nuclear power presents the possibility of additional carbon-free energy use and its consequent benefit for the environment. However, there are significant concerns about nuclear waste and other environmental impacts, the security of the fuel and the waste, and the possibility of their diversion for weapon production.
