[OPINIONATED] Nuclear Energy: A Sustainable Future or Environmental Catastrophe?

Nuclear Energy: A Sustainable Future or Environmental Catastrophe?

By: Shivani Balaji

Nuclear energy has always been a polarizing topic in the discourse of sustainable energy. Advocates argue that it might be the potent, low-carbon solution to the growing energy demand, while critics proclaim the potential environmental and human risks it possesses. The debate between nuclear energy’s sustainability and environmental impact is complex. As the global community urges to transition to a more efficient and cleaner source of energy, the question remains: is nuclear energy the trail to a sustainable future? or does it fetch the start of an environmental catastrophe?

Nuclear energy is a classification of energy released from the nucleus, the core of the atom, made of protons and neutrons. The energy source can be crafted in two ways: nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.

The first commercial nuclear station was inaugurated in the 1950s, and now nuclear energy provides about 9% of the world’s electricity from about 440 reactors. On the other hand, nuclear power also supplies one-quarter of the world’s low-carbon power and is also the world's second largest source of low-carbon power, the first being hydropower.

At present, over 50 countries rely on nuclear energy as their energy source. Mainly because nuclear energy protects the air quality by producing large amounts of carbon-free energy that can be used in hospitals, homes, schools, etc. Additionally, using nuclear power has various sustainability advantages. Due to the low carbon emissions, nuclear energy is considered a prospective ally in the fight against climate change.

Moreover, nuclear power is reliable. Nuclear sources do not depend on the weather conditions like other renewable sources such as solar and wind power. It produces a continuous supply of energy, which is essential at the moment to meet the excess demand for electricity.

Nuclear sources not only help combat climate change but also generate jobs. The nuclear industry supports the jobs of many workers in the United States. The nuclear power plants offer salaries with an increment of 50% compared to other generation sources and nearly employ about 800 individuals. Power stations also donate billions of dollars to local economies annually.

The rising concern about climate change and global warming has motivated the world to transition from high-carbon emission sources like coal and natural gas to better alternatives like nuclear energy, which is a more clean source compared to fossil fuels.

However, the anti-nuclear movement opposes this use of energy for numerous reasons. Nuclear energy has many negative impacts on the planet, including the operation and setting up of the plant, the nuclear fuel cycle, as well as the effect of nuclear accidents. In addition, the plant produces environmentally damaging radioactive waste.

An enormous nuclear power plant may result in an unenviable rise in the temperatures of water bodies with detrimental effects on aquatic life. Besides, mining of uranium ore can disrupt the surrounding environment, and a more catastrophic risk can be taken if the containment fails.

Serious nuclear plant accidents such as the Fukushima nuclear disaster (2011) and the Chernobyl disaster (1986) claimed thousands of lives and a large monetary cost of the remediation work. The long-lasting effect of the nuclear radiation can make agricultural areas and homes uninhabitable for centuries.

Furthermore, waste developed by nuclear energy remains radioactive and harmful to human health and the environment for decades. Although special regulations are installed by the government to transport and store dangerous radioactive waste, a long-term solution is yet to be found.

The initial cost to install and set up power plants is extremely high; additionally, the expense of demolishing and managing waste and old power plants can burden future generations.

There are multiple advantages and disadvantages to the use of nuclear power. Still, the debate of whether to retain this advanced technology or switch to another alternative is destined to continue for years.

Yet, climate change has had a considerable impact on the world; these impacts generate numerous environmental effects and aggravate existing ecological issues. Furthermore, nuclear sources can potentially take charge as a renewable and sustainable energy source. Thus, evaluating both the pros and cons, it is more likely that nuclear energy will be used as an immediate relief to fight climate change rather than a sustainable future.

The proponents claim that if properly controlled and with technological development, nuclear energy could be a significant factor in moving towards a low-carbon future. However, dissenters point out the hazards and unanswered questions that make this energy source an unsustainable choice. Nuclear energy can possibly lead the path to a sustainable future where climate change and carbon emissions are diminished.


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