Nuclear waste is a symptom of a bigger issue - our high energy requirements, which is directly related to our standard of living and population numbers. The US Dollar is directly dependent on our dominance as a military power and control over the energy market - oil is traded in dollars. This is why Libya was invaded, Gaddafi threatened to create his own currency. China and Russia learned from this, and as the US continues devaluing the dollar and expecting other nations to pick up the debt, they decided to detach themselves from the mess and create their own currency. After WW3, the United States will no longer be a global super power, but one of a few large players, ala England after WW2.