1.  By Mark, Aidan, and Ridge

6.  Lower carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere in power generation  Low operating costs  Known, developed technology “ready” for market  Large power-generating capacity able to meet industrial and city needs (opposed to low-power technologies like solar that might meet only local, residential, or office needs but cannot generate power for heavy manufacturing)  Existing and future nuclear waste can be reduced through waste recycling and reprocessing, similar to Japan and the EU

7.  High construction costs due to complex radiation containment systems and procedures.  High subsidies needed for construction and operation, as well as loan guarantees.  Subsidies and investment could be spent on other solutions  High-known risks in an accident.  Long construction time.  Target for terrorism (as are all centralized power generation sources).  Waste lasts 200 – 500 thousand years.

8.  A nuclear power plant generates waste from the reactor core, also from radioactive contamination, and wastes produced as a byproduct of uranium mining, refining, and enrichment.  This waste is stored and shall remain radioactive for more than 10,000 years!

9.  Nuclear energy is met by stiff opposition because of the devastating effects of a nuclear meltdown  Occurs when heat is not properly displaced and fuel assemblies within the reactors of a nuclear power plant melt  Extremely radioactive substances then leak out and contaminate the surrounding area  This can cause fallout: radioactive substances released into the upper atmosphere causing contamination all over the world

10.  Causes:  Operator error, design deficiencies found  Effects:  Widespread radiation leading to health problems  Radioactive pollution of lakes, rivers, and groundwater  Fatal effects on animals and plants  Health disorders in humans: Thyroid cancer  Extremely expensive to clean up and contain radioactive waste Nuclear Meltdown in Ukraine, 1986