Humans consumption for energy will continue to rise due to advanced technology, a rising population, and higher standard of living. Alternative and safer forms of energy such as wind, solar, and thermal energy remain promising and critical to sustaining the earth’s natural resources and the environment at large. However, the efficiency and the high cost of clean and safer forms of energy make it difficult for consumers and providers to access. Whereas nuclear power plants provide easier access and better profit yields, its impact on the environment and human health remain controversial. Despite previous nuclear accidents in Chernobyl and Fukushima, nuclear energy supporters believe it is still the best form of energy compared to fossil fuels.
In a 20-minute CNN news discussion about nuclear energy, proponents argue that nuclear energy have less of an environmental impact than fossil fuels. Compared to fossil fuels, nuclear power plants generate a lot less greenhouse gas emissions, and there are fewer fatalities associated with nuclear industry. In addition, nuclear power is the only technology available and efficient enough to fight climate change. The opponents of nuclear energy argue that it is not cheap; it takes anywhere from 10 to 15 years to build nuclear power plant if everything comes out ok. They rely heavily on government subsidies paid by taxpayers. In the event of a major nuclear accident, the fatality rate can exceed fossil fuels.
In the scientific journal “Nuclear energy and Anthropocene” by Ettore Fiorini, Fiorina addresses factors relating to nuclear energy, such as nuclear waste. Fiorini defines the three levels of waste and the issues concerning proper disposal sites. In the United States, nuclear waste is currently stored at the operating sites and the waste isolation pilot plant in New Mexico. In addition to these, the Department of Energy promised that the Yucca Mountain disposal site for nuclear waste would be ready by 1998; however, due to political controversies between the local agency for Nuclear Project of the State of Nevada and the Obama Administration, the Yucca project remains in peril. Fiorini provides ways to solve the problem of where to put nuclear waste, such as limiting their production by introducing new types of reactors or transforming the 99% Uranium waste to fissionable. In addition, Fiorini addresses how other countries handle their waste and new designs and technologies to address the problems.
The New York Times print article entitled “Future Dim for Nuclear Waste Repository” addresses the political conflicts of the Yucca’s project. Harry Reid, a Democrat Senator from Nevada, and the Obama Administration campaigned for further studies and closing of the Yucca Mountain depository. They have concerns over water contamination and earthquakes causing radioactive waste to leak into the environment or into the water source. However, many members of Congress want to make Yucca Mountain a depository site since billions of dollars have already been spent over the past two decades on the project. The article states “Abandonment of the Yucca mountain depository would be a blow for the nuclear industry, which is hoping to begin work on new reactors for the first time in 30 years.” Although the author did not directly point out the Obama Administration’s intention to delay or shut down the Yucca project, the quote clarifies the administration’s intentions to prevent nuclear plants from continuing.
According to PEW Research, since 1995 the nuclear energy remains flat at 10% of U.S. energy productions. Fossil fuels have been fluctuating over the years; however, they account for around 37% of energy creation, making this highest form of energy consumed by Americans. The production of biomass, solar, wind, and geothermal energy continue to gain traction.
While scientific literature is more reliable and accurate than other forms of news outlets, print media tends to report well-documented sources better than television media. By providing stories and interviews from local communities and people affected by the Yucca project, print media allows their readers to better relate with the concerning issues. With the CNN’s discussions group, many viewers cannot relate to the discussions by Ralph Nader or the former governor of Montana because their opinions and reflections of nuclear issues are not the same as the people affected by the nuclear industry.