Nuclear Energy - is it safe?
With the threat of global warming and fossil fuel supplies running low, nuclear power is being considered as an option to meet future energy needs, but is it safe?
The Union of Concerned Scientists reports that nuclear power is far from safe.
Their position paper, titled “Nuclear Power and Global Warming” says a large-scale expansion of nuclear power in the United States or worldwide under existing conditions would be accompanied by an increased risk of catastrophic events – a risk not associated with any of the non-nuclear means for reducing global warming.”
Concerns with nuclear energy include the risk of a massive release of radiation due to a power plant meltdown or terrorist attack; the death of tens of thousands due to the detonation of a nuclear weapon made with materials obtained from a power plant, and the serious hazard posed by the increase in nuclear waste without facilities for long-term disposal
The group also notes that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has been quick to permit nuclear power facilities, and is not doing a good job providing regulation of safety issues for such a risky industry.
For solutions to global warming, the Union of Concerned Scientists recommends that the United States maximize energy efficiency and conservation, increase the use of renewable energy resources and eliminate barriers to existing technologies that can reduce global warming emissions without the risks associated with nuclear power.