Idea Ultimate: Nuclear Energy

Should we continue to use nuclear energy?

1. YES

1. If we continue to use fossil fuels, we will use them all up // There is not enough oil, coal, and gas to meet the future demand.
2. Unlike wind and solar energy, which rely on weather patterns, nuclear energy has no such limitation and is available regardless of the weather conditions.
3. It is environmentally-friendly. (e.g. it emits small amounts of greenhouse gases, so it does not contribute to global warming).
4. Nuclear energy is a huge industry and has brought employment to many towns and cities.
5. Nuclear energy is sustainable and could be used without wasting natural resources.
6. It is cost-effective:
   • Compared to other types of power plants, nuclear power stations have lower operation and maintenance costs.
   • Nuclear reactors can also last up to 60 years, which means there is no need to build a new reactor every now and then.
   • Uranium, which is used as a fuel during the process, is not costly.
7. Uranium, which is the main element in the process of nuclear fission, is abundant.

2. NO

1. Nuclear energy is not safe:
   • When there is a nuclear accident, the impact is catastrophic (e.g. thousands of people will be affected).
   • There are very high levels of different kinds of cancer among people who live near nuclear power plants.
   • Radioactive waste can pose a threat to our health.
2. We should focus on greener energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
3. Unlike solar energy, it cannot last forever because uranium, although abundant, is finite.
4. There is a chance terrorists could steal radioactive materials.
5. Compared to other power plants, building nuclear power stations requires a large amount of money.
6. Constructing them also requires a large amount of time, which means it takes years before a new plant can become operational.
7. It is harmful to the environment:
   • Radioactive waste can easily pollute the land and bodies of water and destroy plants and animals in the vicinity.
   • Uranium has to be mined and refined and also transported to the plants, all of which could cause pollution.