NUCLEAR POWERJoshua Dover

NUCLEAR BENEFITS

Clean Energy - virtually no emissions other than H2O

Cheap Energy

Abundant Energy - Uranium is a common resource

NUCLEAR NEGATIVES

Nuclear radioactive wastes must be handled properly

If not properly maintained, there can be nuclear accidents

The development of nuclear plants can cost up to $10 billion and up to 10 years to complete

THE CHERNOBYL DISASTER

The Chernobyl Disaster in 1986 (pictured right) involved a Soviet Nuclear Reactor that exploded (due to improper management of the reactor) and sparked a chain reaction of explosions and fire. It resulted in a large release of nuclear fallout (radiation) into the surrounding atmosphere. The end results were many radiation-related deaths and deformations of the surrounding populations.

SOCIAL ISSUES

Safety Concerns - after numerous nuclear accidents, the public is scared of the stability of nuclear energy

Storage of Nuclear Wastes - people aren’t comfortable with storing radioactive materials in places like their local mountains, no matter how much they are assured it’s 100% safe