The use of nuclear power is a very controversial question. The sustainability of this energy source depends on many factors, including economic, technological, political, environmental, and ethical ones.
The first factor to argue about is whether nuclear power is safe or unsafe for people. Considering the Fukushima disaster and another one in Ukrainian Chernobyl, it is hard to conclude that this technology is safe. However, it is getting safer. Both Chernobyl and Fukushima plans were old; the present-day nuclear reactors are much safer and less likely to meltdown (“Arguments for and against nuclear power” par. 1). Admittedly, nuclear plans remain vulnerable to natural disasters, one of which has already caused the Fukushima tragedy, and terroristic attacks. However, any modern reactor is well-equipped and has a containment structure. Moreover, radioactive waste and spent fuel storage are usually located below the ground level (“The Nuclear Debate” par. 15).
Another controversial aspect of nuclear power is its effects on human health and the environment. One of the greatest concerns in this regard is radioactive waste, which would be “a nightmare for our grandchildren” (“The Nuclear Debate” par. 13). However, all those countries that use nuclear energy take all responsibility for managing the radioactive waste that it produces. Thus, the waste is never released – it is stored, contained, and managed.
To take care of nuclear waste, as well as for setting up and decommission nuclear plants, a lot of money is needed. That leads us to another aspect nuclear power’s sustainability depends on – the economic one. Besides, building nuclear reactors requires numerous technologies and investments in the research, which makes it difficult from a technological perspective. Still, nuclear plants have many economic benefits. An average plant brings approximately $470 million of economic output every year (Nuclear Energy Institute par. 1). Besides, it provides workplaces with decent salaries.
Finally, the use of nuclear energy is a significant political and ethical concern. Such countries as Iraq and North Korea have used the need for nuclear power as a cover to create their nuclear weapon programs, and now the world is worried about Iran for the same reason (“Arguments for and against nuclear power” par. 3). If other countries, especially different parts of Europe and the United States, refuse the need for nuclear energy, it will be a great example for Iran to do the same. This dilemma is both political and ethical since it involves political figures of many countries and does not have a single right solution. From my point of view, even if the US and Europe give up on nuclear energy, that will not guarantee that Iran will do the same.
Presently, people should use all energy sources they have since the energy demand is growing and no source of it can take over all the remaining ones. Nuclear power now produces approximately 15% of all global electricity and partly solves the population’s energy needs, which makes it a valuable sphere of research (Englert, Kralla and Ewing 417). Missing this chance would be wrong.
Works Cited
Arguments for and against nuclear power 2015. Web.
Englerta, Matthias, Lindsay Kralla and Rodney C. Ewing. “Is nuclear fission a sustainable source of energy?” MRS Bulletin 37.4 (2012): 417-424. Print.
Nuclear Energy Institute. Nuclear Power Plants Benefit State and Local Economies 2015. Web.
The Nuclear Debate 2015. Web.