Lowe discusses his one-time belief in nuclear power and what led to the faltering of that belief. He engages with the leading environmentalists, like James Lovelock, who advocate going nuclear, as well as with the less savoury aspects of the Australian politicking. He discusses whether other countries might need to use nuclear power, even if Australia doesn't. He offers an authoritative survey of the leading alternatives for Australia - from 'hot rocks' to 'clean coal'. Above all, he explains why taking the nuclear option would be a decisive step in the wrong direction - economically, environmentally, politically and socially.