The Nuclear Option
At some point, people are forced to stop and accept the realities of life. We may be in such a situation now. For years the envinronmentalists have been telling us all about the woes of each and every type of energy production. Coal burning requires mining and then when you burn it, produces a heavy dark smoke. Hydro-electric power, genertated by river dams, causes the fish population to dwindle. Natural gas generated electricity, generated from a fossil fuel, requires the ever-resisted drilling and refining. And nuclear power is just another atomic disaster waiting to happen, not to mention the waste disposal issue. So whether it is environmental damage, pollution or risk to humans, some reason could be given to argue against each and every one.
Well, something has to be done. With the constant advances in solar and hydrogen research our future is starting to look better. But there is another option that is ready right now and very practical. That would be the Nuclear option. The biggest problem about nuclear power seems to be public opinion rather than any scientific reason. And we all know how fickle public opinion is, and how easily it can be manipulated by a focused public media.
I think nuclear power should be a major consideration in our energy discussions. Consider the fact that the U.S. right now produces 20% of its energy via nuclear power. Also the military uses smaller reactors in its naval vessels without many problems. France now produces 75% of it's electrical power from nuclear energy and is the leading exporter of electricity! The U.S. can do the same thing we just get past our 'opinion' that nuclear power is dangerous.
The storied examples of 3-Mile Island, and Chernobyl should never be forgotten, but they are definately the exception rather than the norm. How many French disasters have their been? How many military, of all nationalities, have their been? How many Chinese problems too? And the Chinese present another problem of a different subject...they are having an industrial revolution right now and we need to stay on par with them. Thus ever the pressure on a reliable power supply. But there are very few large scale nuclear problems. Of course, you have the many small leaks and radiation exposures, but those are called 'accidents' - not disasters. And every industry has accidents so it is futile to go down that road of debate.
The bottom line is that we need to put aside our pre-conceived opinons about everything these days, and re-evaluate each issue while considering the modern advances in technology. And NOT keep our heads in the sand like the looney left always seems to be encouraging.
Well, something has to be done. With the constant advances in solar and hydrogen research our future is starting to look better. But there is another option that is ready right now and very practical. That would be the Nuclear option. The biggest problem about nuclear power seems to be public opinion rather than any scientific reason. And we all know how fickle public opinion is, and how easily it can be manipulated by a focused public media.
I think nuclear power should be a major consideration in our energy discussions. Consider the fact that the U.S. right now produces 20% of its energy via nuclear power. Also the military uses smaller reactors in its naval vessels without many problems. France now produces 75% of it's electrical power from nuclear energy and is the leading exporter of electricity! The U.S. can do the same thing we just get past our 'opinion' that nuclear power is dangerous.
The storied examples of 3-Mile Island, and Chernobyl should never be forgotten, but they are definately the exception rather than the norm. How many French disasters have their been? How many military, of all nationalities, have their been? How many Chinese problems too? And the Chinese present another problem of a different subject...they are having an industrial revolution right now and we need to stay on par with them. Thus ever the pressure on a reliable power supply. But there are very few large scale nuclear problems. Of course, you have the many small leaks and radiation exposures, but those are called 'accidents' - not disasters. And every industry has accidents so it is futile to go down that road of debate.
The bottom line is that we need to put aside our pre-conceived opinons about everything these days, and re-evaluate each issue while considering the modern advances in technology. And NOT keep our heads in the sand like the looney left always seems to be encouraging.
posted by Rockin Rod at 4:45 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home