Nuclear power, which generates a fifth of our nation 's energy supply, has been around since the early 1940’s (NEI). While there are conflicting opinions on this topic, thorough analysis through the historical and ethical lenses justify its uses. Nuclear power is morally acceptable and has a long positive historical record. The benefits of nuclear power outweigh its risks, and the public should view this as a viable future energy source.
Nuclear began to fully emerge into modern society as of the 1950’s with the first power plant being built in Pennsylvania in 1954 (Lehr). Also during this time the USSR in Russia and eastern Europe began using nuclear power. Soon after followed a major disaster. In Ukraine on April 26, 1986 the reactor at …show more content…
The most debated topic of nuclear power is the question: “Is nuclear power ethical?”. There are a number of areas to consider when looking at this. First one must must look at the risk to cost ratio and see if the benefits of nuclear power outweigh the risks. Secondly one must must look briefly at the environmentally effects caused by the generation of nuclear power. Lastly one must must look at the potential effects on future generations. Nuclear power is one of the cheapest forms of energy compared to other sources such as oil and coal. According to studies done by professor Nolan E, Hertel, professor of Nuclear and Radiological Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology, the cost of producing nuclear energy as of 2007 was 1.7 cents per kilowatt hour compared to 2.4 cents for coal, 6.7 cents for natural gas, and 10.2 cents for oil. However does this affordability come at a cost? According to Max Schulz at the center for Energy Policy and the Environment at the Manhattan Institute, there has not been a single accident or fatality involving exposure or harm at a nuclear power plant since the start of their operations in the United States (MI). When compared to the average of 200 accidental deaths per year at coal and natural gas powered plants, not including respiratory issues, its record is impeccable (Lehr). With its cheap cost to produce and provide electricity and it’s flawless safety record, the benefits of nuclear power definitely outweigh its risks. Secondly looking at the effects of nuclear power on the environment, nuclear power is cleaner than many forms of energy. According to ehow.com, the two main byproducts of generating nuclear power are water and radioactive waste used as fuel for the reactors. while this may sound bad, waste storage is not a huge issue. Much of the nuclear waste is able to be recycled into more fuel products, reducing the amount of waste actually needing
Nuclear began to fully emerge into modern society as of the 1950’s with the first power plant being built in Pennsylvania in 1954 (Lehr). Also during this time the USSR in Russia and eastern Europe began using nuclear power. Soon after followed a major disaster. In Ukraine on April 26, 1986 the reactor at …show more content…
The most debated topic of nuclear power is the question: “Is nuclear power ethical?”. There are a number of areas to consider when looking at this. First one must must look at the risk to cost ratio and see if the benefits of nuclear power outweigh the risks. Secondly one must must look briefly at the environmentally effects caused by the generation of nuclear power. Lastly one must must look at the potential effects on future generations. Nuclear power is one of the cheapest forms of energy compared to other sources such as oil and coal. According to studies done by professor Nolan E, Hertel, professor of Nuclear and Radiological Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology, the cost of producing nuclear energy as of 2007 was 1.7 cents per kilowatt hour compared to 2.4 cents for coal, 6.7 cents for natural gas, and 10.2 cents for oil. However does this affordability come at a cost? According to Max Schulz at the center for Energy Policy and the Environment at the Manhattan Institute, there has not been a single accident or fatality involving exposure or harm at a nuclear power plant since the start of their operations in the United States (MI). When compared to the average of 200 accidental deaths per year at coal and natural gas powered plants, not including respiratory issues, its record is impeccable (Lehr). With its cheap cost to produce and provide electricity and it’s flawless safety record, the benefits of nuclear power definitely outweigh its risks. Secondly looking at the effects of nuclear power on the environment, nuclear power is cleaner than many forms of energy. According to ehow.com, the two main byproducts of generating nuclear power are water and radioactive waste used as fuel for the reactors. while this may sound bad, waste storage is not a huge issue. Much of the nuclear waste is able to be recycled into more fuel products, reducing the amount of waste actually needing