The nuclear power is a prospective source of generating energy to be utilized in all sectors worldwide. Mark Lynas’s article, “Why Greens must Learn to Love Nuclear Power”, Nina Rastogi’s article, “The Nuclear Option: Is Nuclear Energy Clean and Green?” and Nils-Axel Morner’s research article “Nuclear power and radioactive contamination” focuses strongly on the nuclear power with the deleterious effects and also the misconceptions associated with it. The nuclear power is a profitable solution and there are many reasons that justify it to be at a better edge over renewable and non-renewable resources. In order to meet the power demands it is required to consider the positive aspects of using nuclear power over fossils but along with this their concerns are emphasized. But, the fact that the nuclear power poses a serious threat caused due to the contamination of wastes produced during its generation requires immediate attention to be dealt with. The nuclear power is a promising solution to the energy demands with many advantages over current energy resources but only when the disadvantages are taken care of appropriately.
Mark Lynas has considered nuclear power as a reasonable solution to the energy requirements. The swiftly increasing global warming and depleting fuel resources have created a scene calling for immediate resolutions. I completely agree with the points raised by him. In today’s rapidly moving global world that is demanding more power, energy and resources each passing day; fruitful energy sources like nuclear power cannot be ignored. Though nuclear power production may seem to be a costly affair but when compared to other alternatives of renewable and non-renewable energy options, it definitely is feasible for use. Along with this, the energy alternatives are not sufficient to fulfill power needs as they meet limitations like, wind power needs high flowing winds, solar power needs sunlight and many more. The cons of promoting nuclear power like the harmful radiation effects are mostly exaggerated and count minimal when compared to hassles and limitations of other renewable energy sources. Surprisingly, the most feared aspect of long term radiation effects due to nuclear disasters has not been dangerous as none of the serious cases have been encountered. The biggest concern associated with nuclear energy is the noxious radioactive waste disposal now as well from past. Technologically advanced initiative has been taken towards it by developing fast-breeding reactors that are highly efficient and capable of using previously disseminated ore waste.
Nina Rastogi here indeed opt a neutral approach initially towards nuclear power but dealt seriously with the environmental concerns it poses. She considered the positives of employing nuclear energy such as carbon less emissions; cost effectiveness, independent of variable factors like wind & Sun. Meanwhile, she didn’t forget to cite the usage of carbon fuels for establishing nuclear plants thus, not completely considering it environmental friendly. In my opinion, the nuclear power is an efficient solution but the threats cannot be completely ignored. The nuclear waste is posing threats and to deal with it, countries like USA have still not employed the latest technology. The large amounts of water required for moving turbines in an atomic power plant and the cooling of the same is a big concern. Though the element uranium is highly efficient compared to conventional resources but the release of such mining and milling radioactive wastes has deleterious results. But, considering the current scenario around the globe, nuclear energy cannot be ruled out as a competent option for satisfying energy needs.
Nils-Axel Morner has exposed only the threats posed by the nuclear power at its various stages of production and cites several tragedies happened in past related to the same. As per my opinion, the disadvantages caused by nuclear power must be discussed to find the solutions to make this resource risk-free in coming future for the upcoming generations. The uranium for fuel purposes is extracted by leaving behind heaps of radioactive waste that still waits for appropriate disposals. The nuclear power plant related accidents like Chernobyl, Fukushima, etc. since last many years have taken a toll of lives leaving certain long term effects due to radioactive material being released in nature. There are no well-defined solutions of dumping high, medium and low level nuclear wastes. DRD & KBS-3 methods do offer some guidelines but not too much success as the waste needs to be removed from the biosphere. Despite such disadvantages, the highly costly nuclear power needs to be tolerated to meet the energy demands.
In conclusion, the nuclear power comes with heightened advantages as well as disadvantages and it’s up to us to negate the negativities with advancing techniques and make use of the positivity. The worldwide hunger for advancement in technology and urbanization can only enhance the energy demand that is impossible to satisfy through conventional resources and novel means are required. Hence, a shift in the age old paradigm of considering nuclear power as a dangerous means of energy generation is the need of the hour. Nuclear power is a very efficient energy producing fuel and has many advantages over fossils as well as renewable energy resources. The efficiency of energy produced by the uranium ores is very high and only a small quantity of the same is sufficient to compare with the large quantities of other fuels. Along with this, the harmful effects cannot be subdued and need to be handled carefully. Although much of the factors are exaggerated but the exposure of life forms to huge amounts of radioactive wastes need substantial remedies for sorting around the globe.
References
Lynas., Mark. Why Greens Must learn to Love Nuclear Power. NewStatesman. 18 September 2008. Accessed at http://www.newstatesman.com/environment/2008/09/nuclear-power-lynas-reactors on 19 February 2016.
Morner., Nils-Axel. Nuclear power and Radioactive Contamination. Journal of Environmental Protection. 2014. 5; 175-180.
Rastogi., Nina. The Nuclear Option: Is Atomic Energy Clean and Green? Slate. Accessed at http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/the_green_lantern/2010/07/the_nuclear_option.1.html on 19 February 2016.
