Answering the Questions (Part 3)

By ofwgkta

• How does nuclear power affect the surrounding environment?

Nuclear plants constantly emit low level of radiation, which is yet to be understood scientifically if it affects the environment or not.  Nuclear accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima, although it’s rare, but when it happens, the damage it causes on human body and the environment is catastrophic and lingers for a long period of time.

Kivi, R. (2018, April 25). How Does Nuclear Energy Affect the Environment? Retrieved June 27, 2018, from https://sciencing.com/nuclear-energy-affect-environment-4566966.html

The environmental impact of nuclear power generation. (2017, June 22). Retrieved June 27, 2018, from https://www.thegreenage.co.uk/effects-of-nuclear-power/

• Any alternatives for nuclear power?

Biomass energy has been paid a lot of attention these days as an alternative energy source that’s renewable. However, its CO2 emissions are 150% of coal fuel and 300-400% of natural gas. Biomass can only be good alternatives as a renewable resource.

Natural resources such as wind, solar, water, ground heat, and wave, have advantages to reduce CO2 emissions. However, its disadvantage that it depends on uncontrollable climate is heavy and it’s not a realistic replacement for nuclear energy.

• Do we really need nuclear in order to deal with global warming?

Unless a new alternative resource for electricity emerges, though it entails great risks on human and the environment, nuclear power is the most effective way to achieve the goal to reduce the amount of carbon emissions.

Biomass - Energy Explained, Your Guide To Understanding Energy - Energy Information Administration. (n.d.). Retrieved June 27, 2018, from https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/?page=biomass_home

Carbon emissions from burning biomass for energy. (n.d.). Retrieved June 27, 2018, from http://www.pfpi.net/carbon-emissions

Natural Resources. (n.d.). Retrieved June 27, 2018, from http://wwf.panda.org/knowledge_hub/teacher_resources/webfieldtrips/natural_resources

                       

• ·      How does nuclear power works?

Nuclear power uses the heat that occurs when uranium atoms split. Using the heat, water is vapored to make turbines spin.

Asaff, S. (n.d.). How Does Nuclear Energy Work. Retrieved June 27, 2018, from https://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/How_Does_Nuclear_Energy_Work