Natural Disasters in Nuclear Energy
Natural Disasters in Nuclear Energy Development
Carlaine Puckett
Strayer University
Abstract
The modern day dependency on fossil fuels has led to a global search for ethical and environmentally-sound alternative energy. Among the most powerful is nuclear energy, though it is mired in controversy. This essay describes, among other things, the nuclear energy process, and with it the weaknesses. Amid the hope of one day using nuclear energy as a “green” energy source, there is much fear of devastation, due to the four main nuclear disasters in Earth’s history. After the most recent nuclear disaster, Fukushima, Germany reversed their stance on nuclear energy, denouncing any future involvement with the research, development, and usage of nuclear energy. Every disaster and development can be considered part of a learning curve. The world has generally embraced nuclear power. Natural disasters should not cause hesitation in the research and development of nuclear energy but rather result in greater care and understanding for the policies and procedures surrounding nuclear energy research, development, usage and storage.
Natural Disasters in Nuclear Energy Development The controversy associated with the use of nuclear energy as a modern alternative to fossil fuels has much to do with the fear of natural disasters diminishing the structural integrity of nuclear power plants. This anxiety should not prevent scientists from pursuing nuclear energy as a clean, efficient alternative to fossil fuel consumption but rather place emphasis on the role of engineering and safety policies. The fear of natural disasters does not warrant the current hesitations in nuclear energy usage and development. Ever since the discovery of coal in the middle ages as an “alternative energy” in lieu of wood, or the burning of whale oil to keep Victorian streets lit at night, humans have sought new energy sources to keep pace with the
Carlaine Puckett
Strayer University
Abstract
The modern day dependency on fossil fuels has led to a global search for ethical and environmentally-sound alternative energy. Among the most powerful is nuclear energy, though it is mired in controversy. This essay describes, among other things, the nuclear energy process, and with it the weaknesses. Amid the hope of one day using nuclear energy as a “green” energy source, there is much fear of devastation, due to the four main nuclear disasters in Earth’s history. After the most recent nuclear disaster, Fukushima, Germany reversed their stance on nuclear energy, denouncing any future involvement with the research, development, and usage of nuclear energy. Every disaster and development can be considered part of a learning curve. The world has generally embraced nuclear power. Natural disasters should not cause hesitation in the research and development of nuclear energy but rather result in greater care and understanding for the policies and procedures surrounding nuclear energy research, development, usage and storage.
Natural Disasters in Nuclear Energy Development The controversy associated with the use of nuclear energy as a modern alternative to fossil fuels has much to do with the fear of natural disasters diminishing the structural integrity of nuclear power plants. This anxiety should not prevent scientists from pursuing nuclear energy as a clean, efficient alternative to fossil fuel consumption but rather place emphasis on the role of engineering and safety policies. The fear of natural disasters does not warrant the current hesitations in nuclear energy usage and development. Ever since the discovery of coal in the middle ages as an “alternative energy” in lieu of wood, or the burning of whale oil to keep Victorian streets lit at night, humans have sought new energy sources to keep pace with the
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