The topic of this presentation is that of nuclear energy. Therefore it will begin with a definition and a small overview of how it is used. From there the mechanics of it will be explained, the uses of it will be examined, and enough information will be provided to determine whether or not nuclear energy is good or bad. This speech will incorporate an understanding of nuclear energy and how it is viewed by the government. Nuclear energy is energy that can be released from the nucleus of an atom. This can be produced by both fission and fusion. Fission is when the atomic nucleus is split apart and fusion is derived from combining two or more light nuclei into one heavier nuclei (Edgar, Lerner, and Wilmoth, 2012). Furthermore, the uses of
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The is the NIMBY, which is local opposition to any large-scale developments of nuclear reactors nearby There is also vested interest where there is opposition by the coal miners who are fearful of losing their jobs to nuclear power. Intellectual dissent is apparent based on aesthetic, ecological, ethics, and economic reasons. Most of this was brought on due to the lack of information that society was receiving about nuclear power. The last category is opportunistic dissent, where there was an opportunity by political groups to attack government policies (Elliot, 2007). Furthermore, the idea that nuclear power should be expanded greatly is not shared by all people. Many environmentalists believe that nuclear power plants are a disaster waiting to happen. Their views are sometimes supported by the mass media, which often focuses more on negative stories than on positive pieces (Edgar, Lerner, and Wilmoth, 2012). Some of the main problems are the health effects caused by radiation. If Uranium is ingested or inhaled, the radioactivity increases the risk of lung and bone cancers. At high concentrations, uranium is chemically toxic and can cause damage to internal organs, especially the kidneys. There is also the issue of costs. The cost of building a new power plant is about 4 billion, and these costs increase during the construction process. In the future, when a plant’s license expires, it can cost 300 million or more to shut down and decommission the plant. There is also a negative effect on the environment due to the fact that nuclear power plants use large amounts of water for steam production and cooling. Removing water from lakes and rivers for this purpose can negatively affect aquatic life (Palliser, 2012). Overall, those who are in opposition are the Republicans, who are for oil and gas production (Daly,
The is the NIMBY, which is local opposition to any large-scale developments of nuclear reactors nearby There is also vested interest where there is opposition by the coal miners who are fearful of losing their jobs to nuclear power. Intellectual dissent is apparent based on aesthetic, ecological, ethics, and economic reasons. Most of this was brought on due to the lack of information that society was receiving about nuclear power. The last category is opportunistic dissent, where there was an opportunity by political groups to attack government policies (Elliot, 2007). Furthermore, the idea that nuclear power should be expanded greatly is not shared by all people. Many environmentalists believe that nuclear power plants are a disaster waiting to happen. Their views are sometimes supported by the mass media, which often focuses more on negative stories than on positive pieces (Edgar, Lerner, and Wilmoth, 2012). Some of the main problems are the health effects caused by radiation. If Uranium is ingested or inhaled, the radioactivity increases the risk of lung and bone cancers. At high concentrations, uranium is chemically toxic and can cause damage to internal organs, especially the kidneys. There is also the issue of costs. The cost of building a new power plant is about 4 billion, and these costs increase during the construction process. In the future, when a plant’s license expires, it can cost 300 million or more to shut down and decommission the plant. There is also a negative effect on the environment due to the fact that nuclear power plants use large amounts of water for steam production and cooling. Removing water from lakes and rivers for this purpose can negatively affect aquatic life (Palliser, 2012). Overall, those who are in opposition are the Republicans, who are for oil and gas production (Daly,