The debate surrounding nuclear power has been a hot one for some time now. With the inevitable end of fossil fuels, many more people are starting to make a decision on what they believe is the best alternative. As students at the University of South Florida, we are often preoccupied by lesser issues such as final exams or better food on campus. However, we are here to better our future, and there are many ways we can while we are here. One of them just so happens to be getting involved in the nuclear energy debate. Nuclear energy has the power to single-handedly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet our growing energy needs. Using our voice to empower this argument could help create a better tomorrow not only for our generation, but the
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The “core” of the nuclear reactor houses uranium, and is where nuclear fission takes place (“How Nuclear Power Works”). Nuclear fission is when an atom is split apart, and it creates massive amounts of energy. This energy is what heats the water and turns the turbine. Uranium is found in its natural state in the earth’s crust, where it is mined.
Many arguments against nuclear power claim that the energy is dangerous because it has to do with radioactive elements. But with today’s technology, we are fully equipped to safely handle and store radioactive materials. As of right now, nuclear energy provides twenty percent of America’s energy through a total of 104 nuclear power plants in 31 different states (Maehlum). But how many nuclear incidents have you heard of in the United States? Only one, Three Mile Island. Our current energy sources, coal and fossil fuels, have caused 81,258 deaths between 1969 and 2000 (“Risk Statistics on …show more content…
We are all here for a reason, and that reason is to make a better future for ourselves by getting a degree. We all hope to see our dreams become a reality, whether it’s working with kids at an elementary school, or owning your own company. Fighting for nuclear energy could ensure that we are able to see those dreams through. Nuclear power plants could not only provide clean, reliable energy to the world, but also kick start the global economy. Expanding the nuclear industry could create jobs for scientists, engineers, mathematicians. So I urge you to spread the word, tell your friends. We have a weapon no one even recognizes: social media. Your social media accounts can serve as a platform on which to reach out. Reach out to governors, legislators. Sign petitions. Write your leaders letters. Not only will you be helping yourself, but you’ll be helping the environment and the future generations. The sooner we start claiming our future, the sooner we can start it. Say yes to nuclear
The “core” of the nuclear reactor houses uranium, and is where nuclear fission takes place (“How Nuclear Power Works”). Nuclear fission is when an atom is split apart, and it creates massive amounts of energy. This energy is what heats the water and turns the turbine. Uranium is found in its natural state in the earth’s crust, where it is mined.
Many arguments against nuclear power claim that the energy is dangerous because it has to do with radioactive elements. But with today’s technology, we are fully equipped to safely handle and store radioactive materials. As of right now, nuclear energy provides twenty percent of America’s energy through a total of 104 nuclear power plants in 31 different states (Maehlum). But how many nuclear incidents have you heard of in the United States? Only one, Three Mile Island. Our current energy sources, coal and fossil fuels, have caused 81,258 deaths between 1969 and 2000 (“Risk Statistics on …show more content…
We are all here for a reason, and that reason is to make a better future for ourselves by getting a degree. We all hope to see our dreams become a reality, whether it’s working with kids at an elementary school, or owning your own company. Fighting for nuclear energy could ensure that we are able to see those dreams through. Nuclear power plants could not only provide clean, reliable energy to the world, but also kick start the global economy. Expanding the nuclear industry could create jobs for scientists, engineers, mathematicians. So I urge you to spread the word, tell your friends. We have a weapon no one even recognizes: social media. Your social media accounts can serve as a platform on which to reach out. Reach out to governors, legislators. Sign petitions. Write your leaders letters. Not only will you be helping yourself, but you’ll be helping the environment and the future generations. The sooner we start claiming our future, the sooner we can start it. Say yes to nuclear