AEIS 112
Brian Butler
Many nations around the world have been relying on the nuclear power as it is one of the most sustainable sources of energy. However, there are some concerns that involve the use of nuclear fuel due to the waste that it produces. Although the emerging technological advancements enable nuclear power plants to operate safer against the threat of radioactive wastes. Nuclear power is presumably safe, there are various claims concerning that nuclear wastes still pose risk against the people and the environment. Despite nuclear power’s large contribution to the nation’s energy supply, the world should not continue to use nuclear power as one of the sources of electricity due to the harmful radiation it might produce.
One of the most controversial nuclear power plants is the one located in Chernobyl, Ukraine. This power plant has been operating for many years until the disaster happened in 1986 which caused over 30 deaths and long-term diseases such as cancer. Moreover, the Japan earthquake that destroyed the country’s nuclear power plant created a widespread radiation threat against thousands of Japanese near the power plant. There are many options that nations can choose when it comes to energy production. The availability of other sources, such as wind and solar energy can help in the production of electricity in many countries. For as long as every government will extend its effort, nuclear power dependence can be reduced over time. This will help in producing clean energy, thus, reducing the risk getting exposed to harmful radioactive materials, as such wastes can affect the surrounding soil, air and water that can adversely affect the people in nearby places. Additionally, it will prevent the possible exposure of nuclear power plant workers against harmful radiation.
On the other hand, Elizabeth Shogren (2011) said that Patrick Moore, a former opponent of nuclear technology, stated that such power source is one of the safest that has ever been created. In fact, it has been reported that more and more people are supporting the plans to build additional nuclear plants in the United States. This is a portrayal of an opposing belief that such technology creates risks of radiation to people and employees working for the power plant. Thus, there could be various evidence that shows the safety features of today’s nuclear plants.
Nonetheless, it was proven that there could be no man-made structure that stand against the power of nature, such as the Fukushima incident. In fact, such incident can be used to change any existing guidelines of many countries when it comes to nuclear power management making it more safety. Relatively, it is an issue of whether governments must address the protection of nuclear reactors against any natural disasters. As Lochbaum (2011) stated, disasters, such as earthquakes can cause fires, from which the reactors are vulnerable to. Thus, it can be the primary reason as to why a reactor may shut down once such disaster strikes.
Although some might argue that today’s nuclear plants in many parts of the world operate using advanced technological techniques that have not been harmed for 50 years – since they operated, there is no specific time for disasters, and they can happen at any second, like an earthquake. It is still ideal that these nations must consider switching from nuclear to other alternative source of energy. It is certain that technology is far more advanced compared decades ago, other sources of energy are now equipped with advanced methods in terms of sustaining energy supply. Many nations have benefited from nuclear power. It is time to stop using this energy source. It is not only that nuclear power requires large amounts of funding to operate, but can also carry great harm to individuals and the environment.
References
Is Nuclear Power Safe for Humans and the Environment? - Alternative Energy - ProCon.org. (2012, 24). Retrieved from http://alternativeenergy.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=001270
Lochbaum, D. (2011, March 14). Disasters Fail to Follow Scripts - NYTimes.com. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2011/03/13/japans-nuclear-crisis-lessons-for-the-us/disasters-fail-to-follow-scripts
Shogren, E. (2011, March 28). Are Nuclear Plants Safe? Environmentalists Are Split : NPR. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/2011/03/28/134863507/are-nuclear-plants-safe-environmentalists-are-split
