Burning Issue from Roundtable Discussion

Hi all,

Nuclear energy has been a hot topic of debate. In Writing Assignment 2, the roundtable discussion mainly focuses on Generation 4 nuclear reactors and we have to argue for one of the reactors that should receive funding for further research and development. However, I personally think that nuclear reactors should not even be in operation because it is potentially dangerous. We saw that the Chernobyl accident had devastating effects on the society. The aftermath is felt even years after the accident with side effects that include deformities in newborn babies. I am sure that almost everyone would agree that the operation of nuclear reactors should stop.

Nuclear energy is efficient in terms of producing high energy output compared to other forms of energy. However, it produces a lot of waste that need to be stored away and this may lead to leakage problems in nuclear waste storage buildings. In cases where waste is being recycled, waste recycling produces plutonium and uranium in its pure form and such chemical waste can be used in the making of nuclear weapons. In addition, we cannot guarantee the safety and security of the reactors. Such buildings can be targeted by terrorists.

Instead, I think that the funding should be used for further research and development on alternative renewable energy such as solar and hydropower energy. Such alternatives are not only safe but also much greener.

In conclusion, I do not agree with nuclear energy as an alternative form of energy. Even though the world’s natural resources are depleting rapidly, we can still rely on renewable energy through intensive research.


Entry by: Izzul Azhar U094758U (",)

A burning issue from your roundtable discussion

From my round table discussion, I feel that I have a few issues that I want to raise. I feel that even though from the preparations of the round table discussion. We know a lot about the advantage and benefits that the nuclear reactor can provide but I still feel that we should not be using nuclear power due to the disastrous consequences and aftermath that It can create.
Nuclear power is a clean form of energy and it is very efficient in producing and meeting the needs of the future electricity consumption. However the nuclear waste that It produces are too dangerous and hazardous as it is often buried away or used for nuclear weapon making. This makes it possible for leakage to happen in nuclear waste storage buildings or nuclear reactor accident or bombing of the nuclear plant, it would not only damage the world’s environment and also the survival of human race.
Therefore I would suggest that the world would look into and invest their time in search of other forms of producing the same electricity we needed. If billions of dollars are invested in the research of nuclear reactor safety, the money would have been better spend at researching in improving hydro or solar powered generators. Being green is important as the decisions we make today will definitely affect the environment our future generation live in.
In conclusion, i would hope that the world would choose clean and green way instead of a dangerous and hazardous nuclear method to obtain the same required electrical energy.

Written By: Chen Yan Yu U094762W