Mohammed Hossain
Nuclear Energy
Hook: We live in an age where greenhouse gases and other harmful factors are threatening planet Earth’s existence alongside leaving financial tensions, but can the “hot topic” of nuclear energy save us from further devastation?
Introduction: As the world continues to develop, energy sources are becoming scarcer and offering harmful effects to health and the overall functions of the world. Non-renewable energy sources are becoming much more expensive, whereas alternatives are not being utilized to stop the depletion of these valuable sources. However, the solution is nuclear energy; the fission of atoms in this process creates huge sources of energy that can benefit people. Not only is it cost-effective, but it is crucial to note that energy is made “cleaner” equating to a healthier environment. Processes like radiation on this topic are lessened, meaning human health is improved. Nuclear energy is the future of a healthier environment, where overall conditions are drastically improved– meaning planet Earth is aided in the fight against its destruction from the damaging sources other energy sources offer.
Clean Energy: unlike fossil fuel plants, nuclear plants do not emit appreciable amounts of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury or particulate matter. That means they cause less acid rain, as well as fewer asthma complications and
other health ailments!
Radiation Exposure: Living within 50 miles of a nuclear power plant exposes you to 0.1 mrem of radiation whereas living within 50 miles of a coal-fired power plant exposes a person to .03 mrem of radiation. Nuclear energy can lessen certain types of cancers, and the damage done to the body’s cells over time.
Economic: Nuclear power plants can run for long periods of time (540 days before refueling) which produces more electricity. Nuclear energy is not subject to the cost fluctuation that fossil fuel is subject to. This makes nuclear energy a very dependable, economical option.
Global Warming Aspect: This energy source is a low-Carbon source, unlike other energy sources that contribute to global warming. This energy source does not require fossil fuel burning as traditionally depended upon, therefore the risk of this environmental problem occurring can be lowered. Research has shown that over “64 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions…” (2013, Biello) can be avoided with nuclear energy being utilized.
Conclusion: Hence, nuclear energy is one of the healthiest and cost-effective energies that can be used on planet Earth. The world is going through rapid climate change, and global warming has been increasing for decades. Instead of burning vital fossil fuels and increasing carbon emissions along with other greenhouse gases, the simple answer is within the fission of atoms shown in nuclear energy. Huge amounts of energy are yielded, with less devastating effects are burning fossil fuels. In a time of advancement, comes the need for options that better our health and Earth–nuclear energy is the way to a better energy plan.
Works Cited:
Biello, D. (2013, December 12). How Nuclear Power Can Stop Global Warming. Retrieved December 1, 2019, from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-nuclear-power-can-stop-global-warming/.
Co, A. R. R. (2019, January 16). Nuclear Energy Pros & Cons. Retrieved November 30, 2019, from https://www.renewableresourcescoalition.org/nuclear-energy-pros-cons/.
Gibbens, S., & Nasa. (2018, August 31). Air Pollution Robs Us of Our Smarts and Our Lungs. Retrieved November 29, 2019, from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2018/09/news-air-quality-brain-cognitive-function/.
Radiation: the pros and cons. (2011, September 17). Retrieved November 30, 2019, from https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/radiation-the-pros-and-cons-5331489.html.
Radiation: the pros and cons. (2011, September 17). Retrieved November 29, 2019, from https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/radiation-the-pros-and-cons-5331489.html.
Zee Media Bureau. (2017, May 2). CO2 levels on Earth cross 410 ppm for the first time in history! – Is climate change winning? Retrieved November 30, 2019, from https://zeenews.india.com/environment/co2-levels-on-earth-cross-410-ppm-for-the-first-time-in-history-is-climate-change-winning-2001599.html.
