BOOKS
LACK OF ENERGY
HANS BETHE: PROPHET OF ENERGY. By Jeremy Bernstein.
Basic
Books. $11.95.
"The real point of this book," says Jeremy Bernstein in his
preface, "is the examination of what may well be the most significant
question today concerning both science and public policy: namely
that of energy." What Bernstein has actually done, however, is to
present and explain the views of a single expert witness, Hans Bethe .
He has also given us an engaging account of Bethe's early years and
a concise history of the A-bomb and H-bomb projects, in both of
which Bethe played a central role.
As an expert witness on nuclear power, Bethe is superbly quali–
fied. For over half a century his contributions to theoretical physics
and astrophysics have been marked not only by originality of the
highest order but also by an equally rare and precious flair for
creative synthesis. These qualities are as apparent in Bethe's
ongoing research in the physics of superdense matter and the struc–
ture and evolution of superdense stars and supernovae - work that
Bernstein omits to mention - as they are in his earlier work. And
although Bethe has studied the peaceful uses of atomic energy long
and deeply, he has, as he says, no axe to grind . He is neither an
advocate nor an ideologue. His treatment of the substantive issues is
insightful, thorough, and absolutely honest.
Bethe's analysis has led him to conclude that
for the next twenty years, at least, ... the mainstays [of the U.S.
energy policy] will have to be coal and nuclear power. . . . We
will need more of both of them... . Nuclear power is essential
for our energy needs. But it is not enough to solve our energy
problems . We need a determined conservation effort, especially
in transportation and in the insulation of houses. We must start
to conserve now. We need a vigorous program
to
make synthetic
fuels . ... Research and development of solar energy should be
encouraged, although I do not believe it will make a substantial
impact in the next twenty years or so .
