Critical Issues Forum 2008

Nuclear Energy: Benefits and Risks

Benchmark 3

The High School of Art & Design

Contributors:

Katie Ernst

James Estrada

Aodhan Cummings

Teacher:

Angela Gin

America

Caption: (George Bush) Cancer? Everyone died of cancer caused by a nuclear waste accident?! How terrible! But wait… by using nuclear power I saved 300 million of barrels of oil! And $44 billion! WOW! Let me go renovate my Texas ranch!

Cartoon by Katie Ernst

Venezuela

Caption: (Hugo Chávez to George Bush) Hey, what are you worrying about? You can trust me…

Cartoon by Aodhan Cummings

Russia

Dismantle weapons! Sell your uranium! Russia: As our electricity demands go up, our uranium exports go out to get money in.

Cartoon by Katie Ernst

North Korea

George Bush and Kim Jong-il

“The six-party process, under which North Korea is to give up its nuclear program in exchange for aid and other benefits, has been stalled since the end of last year over Pyongyang's failure to produce a required declaration of its nuclear program.”*

Cartoon by James Estrada

Iran

Suspicion of Iran having nuclear weapon capabilities has escalated so much that America has begun to take special precautions when dealing with Iranians.

“Resolution 1803 extends asset restrictions and travel bans on more Iranian individuals said to be involved in nuclear work and on more Iranian companies. It bans the sale to Iran of so-called dual-use items - items which can have either a military or civilian purpose - as well as calling on governments to withdraw financial backing from companies trading with Iran, to inspect cargo going into and out of the country, and to monitor the activities of two Iranian banks.”* Resolution 1737 has also been passed, prohibiting the supply or sale of materials or equipment that can be used to create nuclear weapons.

Cartoon by James Estrada

Conclusion

After exploring different areas of the globe and their views on a controversial topic like nuclear energy, we have found that most nations believe its use is very beneficial. Saving money is the main argument in many counties, especially in destitute areas. Countries such as Russia and Venezuela are ruthless in their plans for expansion. They feel that it would save the environment because it emits very little carbon into the air as well as generate more money for their economy. However, people fail to recognize the dangers and risks involved with nuclear power. The more power plants there are, the more accident-prone we become. Numerous workers would need to be employed; nevertheless we cannot ensure human perfection. The slightest mistake or human error could set off a series of chain reactions, causing the power plant to release radiation. The radiation released would take thousands of years to decay and become inactive. There is also the continual threat of nuclear weapons.

As we step into the future and into the nuclear age, we must be cautious and take very small steps. Jumping into a fairly new science that can be rendered for destruction will only end in disaster. Instead of focusing solely on nuclear power to end the energy crisis in the future, we should invest money in renewable energy sources, such as wind power and solar energy, in addition to erecting nuclear power plants. “Incorporating 20 percent wind energy into the nation’s electricity supply would only cost 2 percent more and would offer many benefits.”* Before we jump the gun and say we have found a solution to the pending energy crisis, we should explore different energy solutions. Too much of one thing is never good, and a concentrated focus on nuclear power would only put our society in a greater threat of accidents and nuclear warfare. We should try and prevent these problems from getting out of hand for future generations instead of worsening them, and the only way to do that is to support things in moderation.

Bibliography:

BBC News “Q & A: Iran and the Nuclear Issue”, April 8, 2008

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4031603.stm

International Herald Tribune- Americas “US Lawmakers Alarmed by Chavez’s Plan for Nuclear Energy Program in Venezuela”

http://www.iht.com

Voice of America “US Envoy Sees 'Quickening Pace' to North Korea Nuclear Talks”

by David Gollust, May 19, 2008

http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-05-19-voa70.cfm

Washington Post “Nuclear Energy Plan Would Use Spent Fuel” by Peter Baker and Dafina Linzer, January 2006

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/25/AR2006012502229.html

World Nuclear Association- Nuclear Power in Russia, April 2008

http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/inf45.html