Event Details
A Human Turning Point -- Nuclear Energy
Presenter: Dr. Daniel Meneley - Atomic Energy of Canada (AECL)
Supervisor:
Date: Tue, March 6, 2001
Time: 16:30:00 - 18:00:00
Place: (Murray and Anne Fraser Bldg.) FRA 158
ABSTRACT
This lecture includes a thumbnail sketch of the history of nuclear energy development over the past sixty years. Emphasis is placed on the Canadian program as it evolved and as it contributes toward a sustainable energy future.
From the invention of fire and up until 1942 humans depended on solar energy and various forms of fossil fuels for heat and other applications. As time went on we became very inventive at making use of these sources to multiply our power and, inevitably, to multiply ourselves. All that changed on December 2, 1942.
On that critical date, the first man-made and self-sustaining fission chain reaction unlocked the energy of the atomic nucleus. Canadians played, and continue to play, a leading role in the great enterprise of developing this completely new energy source for the benefit of the world?s people. The work is timely because the world?s natural resources of fossil fuels will be seriously depleted within a few decades from today. Prices are likely to rise before that, due to mal-distribution of resources.Continuation of human life as a logical progression of social and technological advancement may depend on successful and timely application of this new energy source.