Nuclear Power, Essay Example

Nuclear power is a considerable source that can be used to produce energy on the planet. The Union of Concerned Scientists describe nuclear power as heat production from a “controlled nuclear fission chain reaction” which creates steam pressure that drives turbines to generate power (Nuclear Power Technology, 2012).

Currently, the world’s primary energy source is dependent on the burning of fossil fuels (coal, natural gas and oil); however, there are alternative energy sources available such as hydroelectric energy, solar energy, biomass energy, wind energy and geothermal energy (Renewable energy, 2012). These alternative energy sources are renewable sources that originate from natural processes, such as the sun or wind, and are better for the environment than burning fossil fuels (Renewable energy, 2012). The discovery of this has launched a global green movement by environmentally-conscious individuals and businesses who are implementing strategies to save the environment from destruction by lessening the use fossil fuels.

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, fossil fuel energy consumption is considered “dirty” because it pollutes the environment via the air, water, plants and animal life. It also creates wastes that are toxic to the environment. Fossil fuel burning is the cause of the global warming situation on this planet (Benefits of Renewable Energy Use, 2012).

The Union of Concerned Scientists also proposes that alternative energy sources are considered “clean” energy sources as compared to burning fossil fuels. Environmental benefits of using alternative energy sources include lessening the impact of environmental risks and conserving fossil resources for the future. Also, there are economic benefits to reducing environmental risks such as the reduction of healthcare costs associated with environmentally-induced illnesses, lowering regulatory compliance costs for companies and energy savings costs for businesses and individuals.

Alternatively, even the “clean” energy sources have their drawbacks. “For example, biomass plants produce some emissions, and fuel can be harvested at unsustainable rates. Windfarms change the landscape, and some have harmed birds. Hydro projects, if their impacts are not mitigated, can greatly affect wildlife and ecosystems” (Benefits of Renewable Energy Use, 2012, para. 2). However, compared to the risks of using nuclear power, alternative energy sources are preferable.

Nuclear power technology is extremely hazardous and deadly if the safety system fails at a nuclear power plant. An example of the dangers of nuclear power is the 2011 Fukushima disaster (Nuclear Power: Safety First. Now, 2012). This disaster occurred as a result of the tsunami and earthquake that ravaged Japan in 2011. The Fukushima power plant safety systems failed and caused devastating effects much like the similar Chernobyl nuclear reactor meltdown in 1986 (Nuclear Crisis in Japan, 2012). Both of these nuclear reactor meltdowns caused catastrophic losses of life of humans, plants and animals and caused serious environmental impacts that have an unknown level of residual consequences for this and future generations.

Using renewable energy sources is the better choice for the world’s inhabitants and the environment, compared to the high risks of developing nuclear power as a primary source of energy on this planet. Renewable energy sources come from natural processes while nuclear power is deadly radiation, and to produce it on a large scale would put too great of a hazard in play and risk ending life on this earth as we know it.

References

Benefits of Renewable Energy Use. (2012). Union of Concerned Scientists. Retrieved from http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/renewable-energy/public-benefits-of-renewable.html

Nuclear Crisis in Japan. (2012). Union of Concerned Scientists. Retrieved from http://www.ucsusa.org/nuclear_power/nuclear_power_risk/safety/nuclear-crisis-in-japan.html

Nuclear Power: Safety First. Now. (2012). Union of Concerned Scientists. Retrieved from http://www.ucsusa.org/nuclear_power/

Nuclear Power Technology. (2012). Union of Concerned Scientists. Retrieved from http://www.ucsusa.org/nuclear_power/nuclear_power_technology/

Renewable energy. (2012). International Energy Agency. Retrieved from http://www.iea.org/aboutus/faqs/renewableenergy/