Nuclear Power and Environment

Nuclear power is generated as a result of the nuclear fuel cycle and the unwanted results of this reaction like thermal heat, radioactive waste and other types of waste are released into the environment thus forming the relationship between nuclear power and environment.

The incidence of global warming and climate change over the last few decades have forced the powers of the world to address the issue of the environment in terms of protection and conservation. Since the option of nuclear power has also evolved during the same time frame, it is but natural to co-relate the two ideas and judge the viability of nuclear power in terms of environmental benefits.

The study of nuclear power and environment in relation to each other has revealed the following facts:

- The generation of nuclear power occurs through a process which does not result in the emission of poisonous gases like carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur, particulates and ash.
- The waste emitted from the nuclear reaction is in solid form and is managed to the point of disposal by the plant authorities due to which it is rendered harmless when released back to the environment. In addition, the quantity of nuclear waste is much smaller when compared to the quantity of waste generated by the other sources of energy.
- The nuclear power plants are designed in such a way that the air-borne emissions as well as the solid waste matter are minimized, if not completely eliminated and therefore this option is definitely the lesser of the two evils with regards to environmental damage in the long run.

As compared to other non-renewable sources of power generation like fossil fuels, the initial cost of setting up a nuclear power plant is very high since it houses some of the most technologically advanced equipment which is instrumental for generation of power as well as for affective waste disposal. But scientific research has proven that the environmental benefit of nuclear power is higher as compared to other non-renewable sources because of which the high initial cost is justified in the long run. There are hazards related to all methods of power generation and this includes the generation of nuclear power as well but on considering the overall outcome over a period of a decade, it has been observed that the relationship between nuclear power and environment is not only compatible but to an extent, symbiotic as well.

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By adam sam
Published: 7/17/2010

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