Chernobyl, Kyshtym, Fukushima Daiichi; disasters caused by nuclear power plants. Nuclear power has received a bad rap because of the numerous previous disasters, however when looking at the bigger picture nuclear may not be that bad after all. There are a plethora of more areas to consider when discussing the choice to go nuclear. The present is a very critical location in the timeline of our beloved planet due to the extremely impactful decisions this generation has to make. One perilous decision upon which the fate of planet Earth teeters, is the question of nuclear power. Two roads are available, and both have influential arguments. One of nuclear's most prominent drawbacks is its potential danger. The Big Three often come to mind when prompted …show more content…
Air pollution is a major concern in the modern world. Greenhouse gasses trapped in Earth’s atmosphere trap sun rays and raise Earth’s average temperature (What Is). The main producer of greenhouse gases isn't vehicular emissions as most think, it’s electricity production, “Electricity generation emits more carbon dioxide in the United States than does transportation or industry, and nuclear power is the largest source of carbon-free electricity in the country” (Mitenergy). Nuclear produces 240g CO2 eq/kWh as compared to fossil fuels’ up to 1,700g CO2 eq/kWh (Source); that’s 14%. “Our emissions are almost non-existent relative to the fossil fuel powered industry” (Todd, Strain). As far as radiation, according to Scientific American, nuclear power plants shouldn’t be the main concern. Coal power plants emit 100 times more radiation per year than in toxic coal waste called fly ash (Scientific American). From 1970-1992, there were only 39 on site deaths at nuclear power facilities. While at the same time there were 6,400 on the job deaths of coal power plant workers and 1,200 of natural gas power plant workers. During that same time time period 4,000 members of the general public died at hydroelectric plants (Nuclear and Radiation Accidents). Our motto in the industry is: “To protect the health and safety of the general public” (Todd Strain). Another plus to nuclear …show more content…
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