Nuclear energy as the main option for the future
Why is nuclear power a beneficial source of energy? Introduction
As globalization is spreading around the world, demand for energy has increased in recent years. There are different types of energy sources to meet this demand, such as solar power, wind power and fossil fuels. However, they are contributing to environmental problems, particularly global warming and air pollution.
Nuclear power is the most promising and most controversial issue, as some argue that brings enormous benefits, while others believe that it brings drawbacks for the country. Most people associate nuclear power with nuclear weapons, nuclear radiation or the threat of nuclear accidents. However, benefits of nuclear
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The problem is coal, oil and gas consist of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H), when they react with oxygen (O) in the air carbon dioxide (CO_2) and water vapor (H_2 O)are formed(ibid). Produced carbon dioxide and water vapor increases the concentration of those gases in atmosphere and in thereby the worldwide temperature (ibid). It is estimated that 3 million tons of coal produces 11 million tons of carbon dioxide. According to Cohen (1990), since 1958 the concentration of carbon dioxide had risen to 315ppm (parts per million), and by 1986 it was 350ppm. It is also predicted that if current trends continue,by 2030 carbon dioxide concentration will have doubled from 350 to 700 (ibid). Tominimize this trend, countries need to reduce the usage of fossil fuels and develop energy with less harm to the environment.
The problem seems to be unsolvable; however, nuclear power meets all those criteria. Nuclear power stations discharge no waste into the atmosphere. Countries with nuclear power plants pollute the environment much less than their counterparts (Hodgson, 1990: 132).For example, from 1970 to 1990 France (80% nuclear) decreasedcarbon dioxide emission by half, for Japan (30% nuclear) this number was 20%, while USA (20% nuclear) reduced it by 6% (ibid). A research held by the US Council for Energy Awareness illustrated that since 1973 nuclear power had reduced the oil usage by 15.5 billion barrels throughout the
Energy is an important part of life producing the power of movement, heat, and production of electricity in many different ways. Therefore, choosing the correct source of energy is important for the environment and humans. Renewable energy that produces electricity never runs out, causing a lower environmental impact. Solar, Biomass, Wind, Geothermal, and Hydropower energy should be used globally to produce electricity. On the other hand, producing electricity from nonrenewable energy sources can be very harmful to humans and the environment. Humans can easily be dependent on it, which may not be the best option when it comes to finance, efficiency, sustainability and more. Approximately 52% of the US electricity comes from polluting sources like natural gas, oil, nuclear, and hydropower that have a lot of disadvantages effecting the environment in a negative way.
The United States needs a change in its energy sources. Oil, first of all, is a scarce resource that will eventually run out, and it also makes the U.S. depend on the political situation in other countries, as can be seen at the frequent changes in oil prices due to the political situation in the Middle-East. Alternative energy sources are an important issue to consider and nuclear energy is certainly the most controversial. There are currently 104 nuclear power plants operating in the United States, but the licenses of those plants will expire in foreseeable future, the first one already in 2013 and the last one in 2046 (Nuclear Energy Inst.). Those expiration dates initiate the discussions if the licenses should be renewed for the plants
Fossil fuels and other power generates are slowly changing the world. Alternative power sources are slowly becoming more popular in everyday life while the technology progresses. Using these power sources that don’t pollute the atmosphere could be the change in the world that completely changes the way the world uses energy. Engineers and technicians have been producing these alternative ways for years and years. A few, but not limited to consist of: Solar panels, Wind turbines, Wave tech and much more.
Despite the fact the countries continue to increase the production of nuclear energy, my position is that new nuclear power plants should not continue to be built. The current use of nuclear power should be carefully evaluated with a plan to slowly decrease production throughout the world. The negative implications to the environment and economy support my position.
Firstly, the usage of nuclear power is consistent and plentiful. As we know, the reaction of nuclear can emit a great power of energy, it can support vast of families’ and enormous plants’ working. In addition, unlike solar energy and wind power, which depend on external factors, nuclear power is consistent generate at anytime and anywhere. Secondly, since the nuclear power is easy to produce and it also can generate a huge amount of power, it is much cheaper to use it. What’s more, like Hill’s saying, “with the cost of natural gas and oil soaring”, the nuclear plants have return back to work and produce massive energy. Lastly, nuclear power benefits to environment: not only because it does not produce the carbon emissions, which can alleviates the global warming; but also it reduces the noxious byproducts, like sulfur dioxide, which is main reason of air pollution. Therefore, using the nuclear power is an ideal energy resource for human
Nuclear power is a much greener option than others, and can help prevent the devastating effects of fossil fuels on the environment. Burning fossil fuels releases thousands of tons of GHGs (greenhouse gasses) into the air that cause a variety of serious environmental problems. The emissions cause global warming which leads to the melting of polar ice caps and the raising of oceans. This also causes acid rain and air pollution which pollutes water sources, accelerates erosion and damages ecosystems (Pacific
Thesis Statement. Nuclear energy is a double edged sword. It is every country’s right to own nuclear weapons as a defence mechanism against any outside threat. A country that owns a nuclear weapon is feared and respected by all other countries and no one will think of starting a war or getting into a political or cultural chaos with this nation. Apart from nuclear energy being used to
With the growing need for a safe,and reliable source of energy people need to consider nuclear energy. Nuclear energy is one of the most efficient sources of energy in the world. Nuclear energy can be an extremely reliable source of energy. It can be cost efficient, safe,, and a reliable source of energy. Though nuclear energy may not a perfect source of energy it will be necessary for the future. No other energy alternative is better than nuclear energy. The benefits of nuclear energy far outway any possible risk associated with the usage of nuclear energy as an energy source.
In this world, all of our natural resources are limited, which creates scarcity. However, this does not stop people from consuming them, forcing people to look for an alternative. Electricity needs a fuel source, which for the moment, we use fossil fuels. People are now considering the use of nuclear energy as an energy source that is a tradeoff for renewables. However, nuclear energy is still considered controversial due to its costs and possible effects; on the other hand, nuclear energy can be the revolutionary change that can help with the climate change. Nuclear energy, like anything else, has its pros and cons, but before making a decision, one must compare the costs and benefits in order to make
The steam spun the wheel of the turbine with a Whoosh. The ecstasy of finding a new energy source is ineffable, and when found, the discovery always immediately prompts a race to use this newfound source. In accordance with this behavior, many sought to integrate nuclear power into society upon its development. The difference being nuclear energy is far more complicated and powerful than anything the field of energy has dealt with thus far. There are two types of nuclear reactions, fission and fusion; working reactors only using fission currently. In fission a neutron reacts with Uranium-235 to produce energy, two fragment nuclei, and multiple neutrons to continue the reaction. Meanwhile, in fusion two hydrogen isotopes react to produce energy, protons, neutrons, and Helium. As a consequence of these processes ' complex and formidable natures, there is a hesitance to their utilization as it is difficult to discuss the complexities of the procedures with the public without some misinterpretation. Despite the benefits found in nuclear power, it still undergoes harsh debate as governments oppose giving money to such an unexplored area of science. Yet, an increase in funding for U.S. nuclear programs would prompt advancements that replace less effective energy sources, creating opportunities for specialization in the field.
The first reason why Nuclear Power can be beneficial is that by building a Nuclear Power Plant, it will bring several jobs to the community. The jobs that will be brought to the community will not only be jobs inside the Plant, but there will be construction jobs, engineering jobs, electricians, heavy machinery workers, and many more.
Nuclear power was the world’s fastest growing form of energy in the 1990’s. However, presently it is the second slowest growing worldwide. Considering that nuclear power accounts for eleven percent of the world’s energy supply, one must ask what happened [Nuclear Power]. Why is it that the growth of nuclear power has almost completely stalled? The simple answer is that after meltdowns such as Three Mile Island and Chernobyl, many people are afraid of nuclear power plants, which causes great opposition to the expansion of the industry. Unfortunately, most people are not well informed about nuclear energy; many do not take the time to view its positives and negatives.
The world as we know today is dependent on energy. The options we have currently enable us to produce energy economically but at a cost to the environment. As fossil fuel source will be diminishing over time, other alternatives will be needed. An alternative that is presently utilized is nuclear energy. Nuclear energy is currently the most efficacious energy source. Every time the word ‘nuclear’ is mentioned, the first thought that people have is the devastating effects of nuclear energy. Granting it does come with its drawbacks; this form of energy emits far less pollution than conventional power plants. Even though certain disadvantages of nuclear energy are devastating, the advantages contain even greater rewards.
The world's natural resources are being consumed at an alarming rate. As these resources diminish, people will be seeking alternative sources by which to generate electricity for heat and light. The only practical short-term solution for the energy/pollution crisis should be nuclear power because it is available, cleaner and safer.
People are inflicting major damage to the Earth's environment, and if we don't do anything to stop the destruction soon, the results could be devastating. Most people know about global warming and think it may be a serious problem in the future. What most people don't understand is that global warming is happening now, and we are already feeling some of its destructive power. Because of the dangerous effects of global warming, alternative energy sources need to be aggressively pursued. Finding and utilizing alternative energy sources may be the only way to combat the increase of global warming.