The vast majority of nuclear waste is not highly radioactive. Over 90% of it is low-level waste. As we progresses we’re finding better ways to manage and reduce this or even recycling it.
The Fukushima incident though unfortunate and a reminder to improve safety standards didn’t result in any direct fatalities due to radiation. In fact, the amount of radioactivity released into the ocean was 0 when you look at the vastness of the Pacific and the dilution. The oceans already contain a considerable amount of natural radiation and the added amount from the incident, though not better than nothing is a drop in the ocean size bucket.
Air pollution from coal plants contributes to numerous premature deaths yearly with some estimates in the hundreds of thousands globally. This is far more concerning than the potential risks posed by nuclear energy especially when managed with modern safety standards. Just see Fukushima.
As for nuclear plants being military targets, any infrastructure can become a target in wartime, dams, chemical plants or any other energy installations. The key is to ensure safety and security measures.
The vast majority of nuclear waste is not highly radioactive. Over 90% of it is low-level waste. As we progresses we’re finding better ways to manage and reduce this or even recycling it.
Even still, it still needs to be transported, stored in specialized facilities, etc. All that transport and resource usage isn’t free and must be considered as part of the cost of nuclear.
The Fukushima incident though unfortunate and a reminder to improve safety standards didn’t result in any direct fatalities due to radiation.
Direct fatalities is a poor metric for nuclear safety.
As for nuclear plants being military targets, any infrastructure can become a target in wartime, dams, chemical plants or any other energy installations. The key is to ensure safety and security measures.
Those are great arguments for not doing those things as well. These are things that massive unsustainable human populations make use of and are not necessary to thriving human populations.
Here are few things to consider:
Thank you, could not have said it better. Nuclear is the way forward, at least until fusion energy is viable.
Even still, it still needs to be transported, stored in specialized facilities, etc. All that transport and resource usage isn’t free and must be considered as part of the cost of nuclear.
Direct fatalities is a poor metric for nuclear safety.
Those are great arguments for not doing those things as well. These are things that massive unsustainable human populations make use of and are not necessary to thriving human populations.