Can nuclear energy contribute to slowing global warming?

An important source of greenhouse gases, in particular CO2, is fossil fuel combustion for energy applications. Since nuclear power is an energy source that does not produce CO2, the question has been raised as to what part it may play in mitigating the greenhouse effect. This article examines that question. In doing so it recognizes, however, that we cannot deal with one environmental problem in isolation. The article, therefore, seeks to identify the range of factors which need to be assessed for a balanced evaluation of nuclear energy's potential role. (author)