Fighting a Losing Battle

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Recommended: Effects of nuclear energy on the environment

With our planet enduring a global warming crisis, we cannot continue to create and use energy in the same manner as we have in the past. New strategies are being developed pertaining to how we can generate electricity in a greener manner as we focus on the problem of the increasing rate of greenhouse gases being emitted into our environment. This assignment will discuss the negative impacts hydropower could play in the future of generating electricity as opposed to using nuclear power. Additionally, the Chernobyl and Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disasters will be discussed in an effort to gather a conclusion regarding the risks versus the rewards of using nuclear power. The hydropower industry is associated with water management as well as renewable energy, with approximately one-fifth of the world’s power generation stemming from the utilization of hydropower; however there are several harmful effects as well. The amount of rainfall an area receives will be a challenge to hydropower due to changes within our climates. In order to manage these changes and build hydropower plants, long-term preparation would be required and immense amounts of capital will be needed (KayGusuz, K., 2009). In many instances, neighborhoods may need to be completely restructured which could involve relocating the populace. Disease transmitting organisms may instigate waterborne illnesses and for this reason, the water conditions should be tested. There may be the potential of methyl-mercury being released and presented to a number of living things, which could produce changes to the water habitation, therefore all types of water-abiding animals and people should be observed (Kaygusuz, K., 2009). The fact remains that the Chernobyl nuclear meltd... ... middle of paper ... ...ricity as opposed to using nuclear power. Additionally, the Chernobyl and Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disasters have been discussed in an effort to gather a conclusion regarding the risks versus the rewards of using nuclear power. Works Cited Foster, J.M. (2011, August,19). Earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/japan/index.htmlKYGUSUZ, K. K. (2009). The Role of Hydropower for Sustainable Energy Development. Energy Sources Part B: Economics, Planning & Policy, 4(4), 365-376. doi:10.1080/15567240701756889. Kochetkov, O., & Margulis, U. (2006). Immediate public safety measures for the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Atomic Energy, 100(4), 290-294. Retrieved October 29, 2011, from ABI/INFORM Global. (Document ID: 2164180341).

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