Nuclear power seems to be a perfectly viable sustainable energy option to satiate our present and future energy needs. There are fewer greenhouse gas emissions and far less waste production when compared to conventional energy sources. So, what seems to be the problem? As good as it is, Nuclear power does have it’s drawbacks and comes with it’s own set of challenges. Even though the amount of waste produced, is far less, it is highly toxic and nuclear waste disposal is a big challenge. Most nuclear reactors are situated in densely populated areas and safety is a big concern. Nuclear disasters like Fukushima are catastrophic in nature and cause damage on a global scale. So we have to ask ourselves, is Nuclear energy, really, a green solution? What are the ethical values we should be consider when taking decisions that affect millions of people around the world?
Following are some of the challenges that we face in using nuclear power as a sustainable and ethical source of energy :
Handling Nuclear Wastes: On one hand Nuclear energy seems to be a sustainable way forward, not emitting greenhouse gases and producing far less waste material. On the other hand, it is not truly green; it involves mining, recycling and refining of radioactive waste …show more content…
With so many countries wanting to adopt nuclear power, and the number of nuclear reactors which are in operation for a decade or more, this counts as gross and criminal negligence. Prevention in this case can lead to thousands of lives being saved. The fallout from the fukushima Nuclear disaster could have possibly been reduced if TEPCO had done regular checks and enforced the necessary regulations. Prosecution of entities which do not show the required level of gravitas which is required will also serve as a firm deterrent and will discourage unethical practices in the
Following are some of the challenges that we face in using nuclear power as a sustainable and ethical source of energy :
Handling Nuclear Wastes: On one hand Nuclear energy seems to be a sustainable way forward, not emitting greenhouse gases and producing far less waste material. On the other hand, it is not truly green; it involves mining, recycling and refining of radioactive waste …show more content…
With so many countries wanting to adopt nuclear power, and the number of nuclear reactors which are in operation for a decade or more, this counts as gross and criminal negligence. Prevention in this case can lead to thousands of lives being saved. The fallout from the fukushima Nuclear disaster could have possibly been reduced if TEPCO had done regular checks and enforced the necessary regulations. Prosecution of entities which do not show the required level of gravitas which is required will also serve as a firm deterrent and will discourage unethical practices in the