The world’s energy sources are running out. Reservoirs of fossil fuels that pollute and power our beautiful earth are running dry, and soon the world will have to turn to other, more renewable methods of energy production. In the face of climate change, can we afford to shut out nuclear energy as a viable option? Firstly, nuclear energy is not perfect. The risk of nuclear meltdowns, the damage of uranium mining, and the impacts of nuclear waste are not to be ignored. Meltdowns and accidents have occurred in 1st and 2nd generation nuclear reactor designs, with two examples being Chernobyl and Fukushima. Both resulted in the death and detriment of humans and ecosystems alike, rendering huge plots of land unusable and forcing thousands to evacuate. While 1st generation nuclear reactors are out of fashion, 2nd generation reactors are still very much alive, as are the safer 3rd generation models. Uranium mining poses many environmental and health risks, as it damages nearby resources and greatly harms biological functions. As a radioactive material, radiation from uranium can get into water banks, nearby flora and fauna, and humans, causing detrimental effects. Uranium mines are often left as quarantined sites, rendering the land useless and dangerous. In continuance, the processing, storage, and transport of nuclear waste can cause damage to the environment as well. The harms of nuclear energy are unavoidable and unignorable, and must be taken into account when considering it as an option.
In the UNEP, nuclear energy has been a huge controversy. Many countries believe that nuclear energy is the path to the future, while others are pushing hard against it in the face of the risks and implications. The dias have been working tirelessly to push discussion forward, but controversy continues to stir.
In its current state, the implementation of nuclear energy is potentially risky and damaging to the environment. However, with proper research and innovation, nuclear energy can become a safe and viable option in the global market. Nuclear energy boasts the lowest carbon emission of any renewable resource, right behind wind energy. It is also not subject to variables like solar and wind power are, as production is not constant in these two when the environment changes. Furthermore, there are fewer deaths attributed to nuclear radiation than carbon emissions, as poor air quality is a perpetrator of fatalities worldwide. Research is already being done to improve safety and usage, and to minimize waste, consumption, and cost of nuclear plants. A 4th generation of nuclear power plants which aims to be more efficient and safer is under way, and this could be a very viable option for clean, safe energy.
Work is being done to improve this technology and make it more accessible. Conservation International has researchers working on the ground in over 30 countries, researching the best alternatives for certain countries and improving certain technologies. CI would be delighted to see an increase in the support of nuclear energy as a potential contender for a global renewable energy source. With the near lowest levels of emissions and improving safety, the risks are being lessened and the rewards are becoming more pronounced. However, more innovation is needed to perfect this technology. The issue still stands that many countries do not have the means to implement this technology, and in response CI has funded green projects around the world to help countries meet a greener standard. Nuclear energy could be the future: it shouldn’t be shut out of the equation due to stigma. By limiting our options we prepare for the worst, by opening our doors we work towards the best.
In the UNEP, nuclear energy has been a huge controversy. Many countries believe that nuclear energy is the path to the future, while others are pushing hard against it in the face of the risks and implications. The dias have been working tirelessly to push discussion forward, but controversy continues to stir.
In its current state, the implementation of nuclear energy is potentially risky and damaging to the environment. However, with proper research and innovation, nuclear energy can become a safe and viable option in the global market. Nuclear energy boasts the lowest carbon emission of any renewable resource, right behind wind energy. It is also not subject to variables like solar and wind power are, as production is not constant in these two when the environment changes. Furthermore, there are fewer deaths attributed to nuclear radiation than carbon emissions, as poor air quality is a perpetrator of fatalities worldwide. Research is already being done to improve safety and usage, and to minimize waste, consumption, and cost of nuclear plants. A 4th generation of nuclear power plants which aims to be more efficient and safer is under way, and this could be a very viable option for clean, safe energy.
Work is being done to improve this technology and make it more accessible. Conservation International has researchers working on the ground in over 30 countries, researching the best alternatives for certain countries and improving certain technologies. CI would be delighted to see an increase in the support of nuclear energy as a potential contender for a global renewable energy source. With the near lowest levels of emissions and improving safety, the risks are being lessened and the rewards are becoming more pronounced. However, more innovation is needed to perfect this technology. The issue still stands that many countries do not have the means to implement this technology, and in response CI has funded green projects around the world to help countries meet a greener standard. Nuclear energy could be the future: it shouldn’t be shut out of the equation due to stigma. By limiting our options we prepare for the worst, by opening our doors we work towards the best.