Dependence Of Man On The Environment
Energy is the most essential resource in the day to day endeavors of mankind. It is an inevitable resource and has been utilized by man since the inception of the earth. During all that time, there have been quite number of modes of production of energy; some of which have detrimental effects to the environment and the people at large. The analysis of these effects has indicated that drastic measures have to be taken in order to save the environment lest the future becomes at a risk of inexistence.
As important as energy is, it is quiet unfortunate that it is attributed to great dangers to the environment which happens to be the basis of life. Hydroelectric power production which is thought to be the safest mode of energy production also poses some risks to the environment like disrupting the natural flow of associated rivers. It also enhances sedimentation and hinders the free migration of fish. This is an indication that every good thing comes at a price.
This sentiment can further be supported by the hazardous nuclear energy generation whose dangers surpass its benefits. It is true that nuclear power has some advantages over other forms of energy generation techniques. First and foremost, nuclear power, unlike every other electricity generation method, requires no consumption of materials and expenditure of energy. Once a nuclear power plant is initiated, its operation costs are amazingly low and it produces more kilowatts of electricity. It is important to note that power generated from this technique is uninterruptable as opposed to hydroelectric power which fluctuates during dry seasons. (Bortz, 2012)
Despite all these advantages and a few others that have not been highlighted, it is imperative that the public is informed of the devastating effects of nuclear power. The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster cannot escape attention when it comes to any discussion related to nuclear power. This was a disaster that struck Japan on the 11th of March, 2011 following a tsunami. It resulted to a series of equipment failure, discharge of radioactive materials and nuclear meltdown that claimed the lives of many. This massive melt of radioactive substances had cancerous effects up to 50km away from the plant and this is an unimaginable depth of destruction. This resulted to the banishment of the consumption of both tap water and food from the region of the melt. Subsequently, people living around Fukushima are living on a long-term danger of psychological effects due to ionizing radiations. (Bortz, 2012)
The 20th century Chernobyl nuclear meltdown is also a good example of the devastating effects of nuclear power gone bad. In this region somewhere in Ukraine, people are not supposed to stay anywhere close to the place but still there are a few who dare. A fire breakout in the nuclear plant caused a radiation level higher that it was in Hiroshima after the atomic bomb and this was real danger. The fire fighters who only wore uniforms and gas masks were unable to contain the fire resulting to a disastrous situation. After the massive melt, the place has since been pronounced a wasteland but others still live around it oblivious of the danger of radiation sickness and mutation. (Turk, Bensel, 2011)
Conclusion
However much energy is important in our daily activities, countries should be cautious of the modes through it is produced especially when it comes to nuclear power. All the radiations and reactor accidents have long term effects on the health of people and it would be improper to risk lives for the sake of energy. It is agreeable that energy is inevitable but also important to note is that life is ultimate.
Reference
Bortz, A. B. (2012). Meltdown!: The nuclear disaster in Japan and our energy future. Minneapolis: Twenty-First Century Books.
Newtan, S. U. (2007). Nuclear War I and other major nuclear disasters of the 20th century. Bloomington, IN: AuthorHouse.
Turk, J., & Bensel, T. (2011). Contemporary environmental issues. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
