Recently, there was a big earthquake in Japan. For this reason, Japan suffered heavy damage, and an explosion occurred in the Fukushima nuclear power plant. For that reason, there are many arguments about nuclear power plant construction.


pro

Recently, many people are worried about nuclear power after the radiation releases caused by the earthquake in Japan. However, we should not oppose nuclear power unconditionally because it has many advantages.

First, nuclear energy is eco-friendly if handled carefully. Lately, environmental issues like global warming and acid rain have grown. These issues are connected with the use of fossil fuels which produce pollutants. However, nuclear energy does not produce pollutants like carbon dioxide during the process of making electricity.

Secondly, nuclear energy is economical. Nuclear power plants cost more to build than other methods of generating electricity, but nuclear energy’s raw materials are cheaper than others. Furthermore, the efficiency of generating electricity from nuclear power is superior to other methods. Without nuclear power plants, we could not provide enough electricity to maintain our modern lives. In addition, we can make energy from a little raw material and use it for a long time. Also the raw materials for nuclear energy are easier to transport and store because nuclear fuel makes a lot of energy from a small amount. For these reasons, nuclear energy is more economical.

Thirdly, the supply of fuel for nuclear energy is stable. Korea doesn’t have enough natural resources. Therefore, a stable supply of imported fuel is very important because if the imported supply is unstable, the price of fuel will be high in Korea. The main raw material of nuclear energy is uranium. Uranium is found mostly in Canada and Australia, whose political and economic situations are stable. Therefore, we can receive a stable supply of raw materials unlike the oil from Middle Eastern countries.

Finally, because of building nuclear power plants, related industries can be developed. Nuclear power generation requires high-level technical skills and many businesses. If we develop nuclear power, the electricity, machinery, civil engineering, chemical, and metal industries will be developed.

The history of nuclear energy is short compared with fossil fuels, so there is much room for development. If we monitor radiation and prevent releases completely, nuclear energy will be a safer, more eco-friendly, and convenient energy than any other energy.




con

Recently, protests have intensified against the construction of nuclear power plants because of the earthquake in Japan. Some people say we are prepared for emergencies, but disasters such as Japan’s could happen again anywhere in the world. The use of nuclear power has many potential problems. For this reason, nuclear energy can’t be an ideal alternative energy source.

First, there is a risk of radiation leakage. There are a lot of examples like the Chernobyl and Three Mile Island accidents, and the accident in Japan’s nuclear facility. When people receive a large amount of radiation in a short period of time, acute disorders are caused. If people receive a small amount of radiation continuously, chronic disorders such as cancer occur. Furthermore, genetic disorders could occur. Radiation effects could appear as physical or mental disabilities, and the rate of deformed children increase.

Second, there are difficulties in handling nuclear waste. Low-level liquid nuclear waste made during the operation of nuclear power plants and nuclear waste produced after nuclear plants are closed contain large amounts of radioactive matter. It causes damage to people and nature. It is impossible to completely process nuclear waste with the skills and ability that people now have, and it takes much time and costs a huge amount of money to deal with it safely.

Third, nuclear energy has the possibility of being abused for military purposes. Nuclear power was derived from military activities like the development of atomic weapons. For this reason, it cannot be completely separated from military purposes. The International Atomic Energy Agency carefully observes the management of Korea’s spent fuel from nuclear power plants. The reason is plutonium contained in spent fuel can be converted into atomic weapons.

Nuclear energy exists for mankind. However, if there is a possibility of threatening human safety, it is better not to use nuclear energy. There is the possibility of a disastrous impact on the future of mankind. We need to rethink whether nuclear energy really helps mankind.