Nuclear Power in Society Research Paper

Nuclear power is a controversial and long-debated issue. Nuclear power is the energy created by heavy atomic nuclei when they fission. Fission is when bombarding neutrons split an unstable nucleus into two atoms. This process releases more neutrons to bombard other nuclei creating a chain reaction. This chain reaction can create immense amounts of energy in seconds. The downsides of nuclear power include its high initial cost, high-level radioactive waste, a history of dangerous malfunctions, and nuclear weapon proliferation. The positives of nuclear power include its huge energy output and being a greener alternative to fossil or natural gas fuel.

Nuclear power came to the forefront of the public mind after the second world war and during the Cold War. Its promise of clean powerful energy enamoured people, who were just becoming aware of the impacts of fossil fuels. However, after nuclear plant malfunctions became world news, public opinion shifted. A plant meltdown can cause cancer growth and genetic mutations, but it also relocates the local population, which can cause widespread hardship and mental illness (Derek Muller, 2015). Secondly, people are opposed to nuclear power because of its connection with nuclear weapon proliferation. Indeed, nuclear power and atomic bombs are both created using enriched uranium chain reactions. However, giving a country access to nuclear power plants also grants them access to many of the materials, processes, and knowledge necessary for atomic bomb production (Kurzgesagt, 2015). Even if nuclear meltdowns and weapon proliferation were not a concern, building a power plant is expensive. Moreover, they take a long time to construct, especially when compared with traditional natural gas plants. They also require regular and meticulous maintenance. This means investors are hesitant to finance nuclear power plants because, along with the uncertainty of the public’s opinion of them, it will take much longer to become profitable (Real Engineering, 2020). Along with its initial cost, safety issues and connection to atomic bombs, nuclear power also produces high-level radioactive waste. This waste will continue to be radioactive for hundreds to thousands of years before it is safe. Additionally, it requires a specially designed waste container to bury deep below the surface and ideally not disturbed for thousands of years. In fact, Finland is designing the world’s first permanent nuclear waste storage site, but one issue is that radioactive waste is dangerous for so long that humans may not be around to ensure it is not disturbed (The B1M, 2021). The cons of nuclear power include its potentially dangerous and long-lasting effects on the planet, connection with atomic bombs and nuclear weapon proliferation, and financially unattractive construction. 

On the other hand, the reason nuclear power is still being discussed decades after its downsides were known is because of its option as a sustainable, accessible and powerful alternative to fossil fuel. To begin with, people fear nuclear power because it is associated with catastrophes and apocalypses. The nuclear bombs and meltdowns were world news and people created films and books envisioning a “poisoned, dead earth”. Despite its reputation as a dangerous and controllable force, nuclear power has caused far fewer deaths than most other energy sources. Nuclear power’s dangerous waste is also contained and stored, rather than let into the atmosphere like fossil fuel waste. (AsapSCIENCE, 2021). Another upside to nuclear power is its accessibility. If nuclear weapon proliferation was not an issue (which some argue it is not because of the required enrichment), most countries would be able to harness nuclear power unlike wind or solar energy. Some places are not windy or sunny enough or lack the necessary access to water. They simply cannot rely on other sustainable energy methods. Consequently, nuclear power would make the transition to low-carbon energy easier because it does not rely on environmental features, it is arguably safer than other energy sources and it creates more energy per gram than any other material. 

Nuclear power divides scientists, politicians and average citizens. Its immense power output comes at the cost of long-lasting radioactive waste or meltdowns that can quarantine the surrounding land. Also, it has long been associated with atomic bombs and the destruction they bring. However, nuclear power is currently an accessible and reliable alternative to fossil and natural gas fuel. It can also be made safer and cheaper with continued funding to scientific innovation. Nuclear power should be subject to as such intense fear as it is faced with now, but it should also not be the ideal. Solar, wind and hydropower may not yield as highly as nuclear power, but they are more environmentally sustainable, have the potential to decrease in price more rapidly, and are more palatable for the general public. Nuclear power is an undervalued resource, and it can be utilised safely in the world’s move from CO2-emmitting fuel to sustainable fuel.