Nuclear power has always been seen as a "safe" alternative energy to burning fossil fuels. So much so they today is accounts for about twenty-five percent of worldwide power generation. But here are 7 reasons why nuclear power sucks:
1 - It costs a lot of money to setup:
Nuclear power plants are definitely not a cheap investment. At around six to twelve billion dollars each - just for installation - taxpayers have subsidized billions of dollars to keep the utilities afloat. This money could have been invested in cleaner renewable energies instead.
2 - Does not aid global warming:
Nuclear enthusiast argue that reactors emit very little green-house gases. But what they do not realize is all the carbon dioxide released in other links in the nuclear chain. For example - gas-guzzling machines are used to mine the uranium, transport it to the reactors, and help build the reactor itself.
What's more is these reactors take years to be fully operational - wasting precious time in our fight against global warming. We could have used that time and money more wisely, such as improved research and development in solar and wind power.
3 - Radioactive waste:
Each reactor creates a lot (twenty to thirty tonnes) of highly toxic radioactive waste per year. Not to mention the so-called "low" level radiation emitted in the rest of the supply chain - such as during the mining and milling process.
4 - A damaged reactor could lead to a catastrophe:
All nuclear plants are vulnerable to accidents or attacks. Nevertheless, if an accident did occur, the current evacuation plans are completely unrealistic. In addition, the Price-Anderson Act ensures the utility's liability of an accident is limited to only $10.8 billion. This is absurd, considering a serious reactor accident could cause as much as $600 billion of damage. Once again, the balance would likely have to be paid by us, the taxpayers.
5 - Increased risk of cancer:
Though authorities deem the levels of radiation emitted to be "safe", children and other vulnerable individuals are not taken into account when reaching this conclusion. This is very irresponsible, and could lead to more cancer cases as the number of reactors increases.
The way utilities currently "store" nuclear waste is irresponsible. The have made assumptions instead of finding scientifically safe places to dispose of the waste. Just imagine how much worse the problem would get if more reactor were built. Additional waste would soon have to be incinerated or buried in landfills. Who knows how much water, soil and air pollution that would cause!
6 - Nuclear development aids terrorism:
A country's national security always feels at threat when extremist countries start harnessing nuclear power. Just think about Israel attacking Syria's so-called nuclear site back in 2007, and how uneasy America was when Iran was developing its own nuclear program. Nuclear power sets the stage for the production of atomic bombs, so as long the number of reactors increases, the likelihood of terrorists getting their hands on nuclear weapons increases.
7 - There are cleaner alternatives:
What bothers us most is we already have better, cleaner, safer and cheaper alternatives available and ready to implement. Perhaps with the recent election of our new US government, nuclear energy will be put to rest and renewable energy will be harnessed on a larger scale.
But why wait for the country to start looking at renewable energy more seriously, when you can get involved yourself? Many households have discovered how to make their own solar and wind power and become more energy efficient. It is rather simple and inexpensive to do - all it takes is your willingness to learn and take action.
1 - It costs a lot of money to setup:
Nuclear power plants are definitely not a cheap investment. At around six to twelve billion dollars each - just for installation - taxpayers have subsidized billions of dollars to keep the utilities afloat. This money could have been invested in cleaner renewable energies instead.
2 - Does not aid global warming:
Nuclear enthusiast argue that reactors emit very little green-house gases. But what they do not realize is all the carbon dioxide released in other links in the nuclear chain. For example - gas-guzzling machines are used to mine the uranium, transport it to the reactors, and help build the reactor itself.
What's more is these reactors take years to be fully operational - wasting precious time in our fight against global warming. We could have used that time and money more wisely, such as improved research and development in solar and wind power.
3 - Radioactive waste:
Each reactor creates a lot (twenty to thirty tonnes) of highly toxic radioactive waste per year. Not to mention the so-called "low" level radiation emitted in the rest of the supply chain - such as during the mining and milling process.
4 - A damaged reactor could lead to a catastrophe:
All nuclear plants are vulnerable to accidents or attacks. Nevertheless, if an accident did occur, the current evacuation plans are completely unrealistic. In addition, the Price-Anderson Act ensures the utility's liability of an accident is limited to only $10.8 billion. This is absurd, considering a serious reactor accident could cause as much as $600 billion of damage. Once again, the balance would likely have to be paid by us, the taxpayers.
5 - Increased risk of cancer:
Though authorities deem the levels of radiation emitted to be "safe", children and other vulnerable individuals are not taken into account when reaching this conclusion. This is very irresponsible, and could lead to more cancer cases as the number of reactors increases.
The way utilities currently "store" nuclear waste is irresponsible. The have made assumptions instead of finding scientifically safe places to dispose of the waste. Just imagine how much worse the problem would get if more reactor were built. Additional waste would soon have to be incinerated or buried in landfills. Who knows how much water, soil and air pollution that would cause!
6 - Nuclear development aids terrorism:
A country's national security always feels at threat when extremist countries start harnessing nuclear power. Just think about Israel attacking Syria's so-called nuclear site back in 2007, and how uneasy America was when Iran was developing its own nuclear program. Nuclear power sets the stage for the production of atomic bombs, so as long the number of reactors increases, the likelihood of terrorists getting their hands on nuclear weapons increases.
7 - There are cleaner alternatives:
What bothers us most is we already have better, cleaner, safer and cheaper alternatives available and ready to implement. Perhaps with the recent election of our new US government, nuclear energy will be put to rest and renewable energy will be harnessed on a larger scale.
But why wait for the country to start looking at renewable energy more seriously, when you can get involved yourself? Many households have discovered how to make their own solar and wind power and become more energy efficient. It is rather simple and inexpensive to do - all it takes is your willingness to learn and take action.
About the Author:
So stop relying on nuclear power and learn to make your own home wind turbine and solar power system. You will become more energy efficient, help decrease global warming and save a lot on utility bills in the long run. But before you buy the wrong instructions, get a look inside the top-rated guide - Earth4Energy - for free NOW!
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