1. Nuclear Energy: Viable Energy Alternative? By Andrew Henry

2. Overview Can deliver cheap, clean energy. There are huge potential risks and costs associated with nuclear energy. As such, there is contention as to it's usability as an alternative to fossil fuels.

3. As a Power Source Pros Doesn't contribute to smog Does not produce greenhouse gases Waste is confined Large supplies of Uranium available Cons Mining Uranium could release large amounts of CO2 Waste disposal is expensive Plants are security risks (e.g. terrorism) An accident would be catastrophic

4. Impact Nuclear Energy has the potential to: Provide clean energy to the world including developing nations Cause disasters of biblical proportions Dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions Be very expensive Be very cheap Pollute the world with radioactive sludge

5. Conclusion More research needs to be done regarding Nuclear Energy as a viable energy source. As our sole energy source, it seems impractical but it still may serve some purpose. There are risks involved, but as the situation becomes more dire and technology improves, it may become a viable option. Obama has just made plans to open new nuclear power plants.

6. References Lowe, I. (2007, 2007 Second Quarter). CAN NUCLEAR ENERGY POWER THE DEVELOPING WORLD?. Social Alternatives, pp. 18- 21. Retrieved from SocINDEX with Full Text database. Diesendorf, M. (2007). IS NUCLEAR ENERGY A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO GLOBAL WARMING?. Social Alternatives, 26(2), 8- 11. Retrieved from SocINDEX with Full Text database. Taylor, G. (2007). NUCLEAR ENERGY AND GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY. Social Alternatives, 26(2), 12-17. Retrieved from SocINDEX with Full Text database. Tapper, J. (2010). PRESIDENT OBAMA: YES NEW NUKES. http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2010/02/president- obama-yes-new-nukes.html