Nuclear Power

 

Do you agree that nuclear power is the best energy source? Write an essay of about 250 words. The first paragraph should set out your position with a brief mention of why you take this position. The second paragraph should provide the details of your arguments.

 

     I do not agree that nuclear power is the best energy source. It might be better than fossil fuel power production in that it does not generate greenhouse gas emissions during power production, but its radioactive waste is a huge challenge: it requires highly regulated storage and disposal in order to protect human health and the environment.

 

     It is true that generating electricity using nuclear fusion will have fewer environmental effects. For example, it does not release carbon dioxide, which is a major source of the greenhouse effect causing global warming. Nor does it release particulates, which causes global dimming around the world and breathing problems for people.  Furthermore, no sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxides are released, thereby reducing the likelihood of acid rain.  That said, we cannot lose sight of the fact that the waste generated by nuclear power is highly radioactive. It cannot be discharged directly into the environment and has to be stored and disposed of in a highly regulated environment. Moreover, no people would agree to the storage of such toxic waste in their neighborhoods. Compared with nuclear power, renewable energy sources, such as solar energy, wind energy and hydro energy, stand out as the best as they generate neither greenhouse gas emissions nor radioactive waste. They might not be as reliable as nuclear power or fossil fuel power generation, but this could be addressed through technology and design, which should be relatively easier than addressing greenhouse effect and radioactive waste. They are therefore more appealing to the public.