The Pros And Cons Of Nuclear Power

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Nuclear power is an extremely promising source of fuel in a world of ever-dwindling of fossil fuels. Although this resource is also non-renewable, nuclear power, more specifically, nuclear fission generates approximately 2 000 000% the specific energy of gasoline and ethanol. These appealing numbers are also backed by the prospect of considerably environmentally friendly emissions in a world where global warming is beginning to take its toll. In addition, if nuclear power begins to attract more attention, it will open up a whole new sector for business and job opportunities, benefitting the global economy. But, with every benefit comes a host of issues. A critical concern with nuclear power is the safe disposal of radioactive wastes and the effect the wastes have on the environment and people. Another major issue would be nuclear accidents, like …show more content…

Per NASA, the 2015 global annual average was 0.87 °C whereas, just a few decades ago, the 1964 global annual average was a mere -0.21°C. This is increase in global temperature is mainly due to the discharge of methane and carbon dioxide when fossil fuels are combusted. On the other hand, nuclear energy has a significantly reduced negative effect on nature because it does not produce gases like methane and carbon dioxide, which are the primary greenhouse gases. Nuclear power compared to the traditional extract and combust is much more green towards the environment. Per the Nuclear Energy Institute, it has been determined that the amount of greenhouse gases emitted decreased by almost half because of energy generated from nuclear fission. What is even more exciting is that nuclear power only accounts for 14% of the world’s electricity. If more capital is invested in developing better technologies, greenhouse gas emissions will have a theoretical sharp decline, reducing the acceleration of global