Is nuclear power a fix for climate change? Experts think it's too dangerous
1 year ago

Is nuclear power a fix for climate change? Experts think it's too dangerous

Salon  

As the climate crisis grows worse every year, alternative energy options are increasingly important. Some climate activists "promote nuclear power as a possibility to battle climate change," said Nikolaus Muellner, a professor of safety and risk sciences at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna. "If one evaluates nuclear energy as a way to deal with climate change," Ramana said, it actually plays "a negative role in reducing emissions." Ramana also cited the "variety of risks and environmental impacts" associated with nuclear energy, including catastrophic accidents, the fact that fuel for nuclear power can be diverted to weapons programs, and the production of radioactive waste, which can remain hazardous to human health for thousands of years. Also responding by email, Muellner offered a more nuanced and technical view, focusing on the much lower "calculated emission costs" of nuclear power generation compared to electricity generated with fossil fuels.

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History of this topic

Chernobyl effects ‘overestimated’ says Blair Institute as it pushes for nuclear energy
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Chernobyl effects ‘overestimated’ says Blair Institute as it pushes for nuclear energy

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. In a report published on Monday, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change said …

Letters to the Editor: Nuclear power’s promise: Live well now, poison humanity in the future
4 months ago

Letters to the Editor: Nuclear power’s promise: Live well now, poison humanity in the future

LA Times  

Pacific Gas and Electric’s Diablo Canyon Power Plant, the only operating nuclear plant in California, is seen in Avila Beach in 2023. To the editor: To paraphrase a popular aphorism about men and therapy, it appears that young people would rather risk destroying entire landscapes with nuclear waste than have less electricity to power the internet. I would recommend that …

Can nuclear power help mitigate the climate crises?
6 months ago

Can nuclear power help mitigate the climate crises?

Hindustan Times  

Nuclear power has always been viewed with suspicion owing to the devastating military usages it has had. The Fukushima nuclear accident of 2011 further pushed global narratives against the usage and accumulation of nuclear power, even if it is for civilian purposes. The capacity of nuclear energy to ensure our energy independence and to guarantee the production of low carbon …

Nuclear energy's six biggest myths busted as Australia seriously considers making the change - and why coal isn't necessarily the safe option
1 year ago

Nuclear energy's six biggest myths busted as Australia seriously considers making the change - and why coal isn't necessarily the safe option

Daily Mail  

The fear of a scare campaign against nuclear energy has prompted one Coalition MP to debunk some myths about nuclear reactors - and warn even coal plants can be potentially dangerous. The prospect of a nuclear energy scare campaign has prompted a Coalition MP to debunk some myths about nuclear reactors and point out coal plants are also potentially dangerous …

UN nuclear chief says nuclear energy must be part of the equation to tackle climate change
1 year, 4 months ago

UN nuclear chief says nuclear energy must be part of the equation to tackle climate change

Associated Press  

UNITED NATIONS — Nuclear energy must be part of the equation to tackle climate change, the U.N. nuclear chief said Wednesday. Over a quarter of the electricity from nuclear power is low-carbon electricity and global carbon dioxide emissions would be considerably higher without nuclear power, Grossi said. And in Africa, where electricity capacity is set to grow fivefold by 2050, …

Nuclear power is gaining support after years of decline. But old hurdles remain
2 years, 8 months ago

Nuclear power is gaining support after years of decline. But old hurdles remain

NPR  

Nuclear power is gaining support after years of decline. When it comes to new nuclear technology, the industry has "a tendency to overpromise and underdeliver" Despite this momentum, if nuclear energy is going to grow even its boosters admit some things need to change. When it comes to new nuclear technology, the industry has "a tendency to overpromise and underdeliver," …

Shutdown this misguided energy policy
3 years ago

Shutdown this misguided energy policy

The Hindu  

Nuclear technology is hazardous. Given the post-Fukushima global and national trends in the nuclear industry, such a policy seems misguided; nuclear power is neither an economical source of electricity nor a viable route to meeting India’s climate goals. This mirrors a global trend: in 1996, 17.5% of the world’s electricity came from nuclear power plants; by 2020, this figure had …

Race to Cut Carbon Emissions Splits US States on Nuclear Power
3 years, 2 months ago

Race to Cut Carbon Emissions Splits US States on Nuclear Power

News 18  

As climate change pushes states in the US to dramatically cut their use of fossil fuels, many are coming to the conclusion that solar, wind and other renewable power sources might not be enough to keep the lights on. Tennessee Valley Authority President and CEO Jeff Lyash puts it simply: You can't significantly reduce carbon emissions without nuclear power. Roughly …

Race to cut carbon emissions splits U.S. states on nuclear
3 years, 2 months ago

Race to cut carbon emissions splits U.S. states on nuclear

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Tennessee Valley Authority President and CEO Jeff Lyash puts …

The U.S. is divided over whether nuclear power is part of the green energy future
3 years, 2 months ago

The U.S. is divided over whether nuclear power is part of the green energy future

NPR  

The U.S. is divided over whether nuclear power is part of the green energy future Enlarge this image toggle caption Michael Mariant/AP File Photo Michael Mariant/AP File Photo PROVIDENCE, R.I. — As climate change pushes states in the U.S. to dramatically cut their use of fossil fuels, many are coming to the conclusion that solar, wind and other renewable power …

Column: Nuclear energy backers say it’s vital for the fight against global warming. Don’t be so sure
3 years, 2 months ago

Column: Nuclear energy backers say it’s vital for the fight against global warming. Don’t be so sure

LA Times  

No one would have believed this possible only a few years ago, but nuclear energy has been creeping up in public estimation, despite its long record of unfulfilled promise and cataclysmic missteps. World & Nation Column: America’s first ‘21st century nuclear plant’ already has been shut down for repairs When the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Watts Bar 2 nuclear power plant …

Germany calls nuclear power ‘dangerous,’ rejects EU plan
3 years, 2 months ago

Germany calls nuclear power ‘dangerous,’ rejects EU plan

Al Jazeera  

Germany is moving to shut down its remaining three nuclear power plants this year amid concerns over the safety of the technology. The German government has said that it considers nuclear energy dangerous and objects to European Union proposals that would let the technology remain part of the bloc’s plans for a climate-friendly future. Germany is on course to switch …

Is nuclear power the way forward to combat the climate crisis?
3 years, 4 months ago

Is nuclear power the way forward to combat the climate crisis?

Al Jazeera  

Nuclear power can go horribly wrong and is notorious for cost overruns, but it is gaining high-profile champions. China – the world’s biggest carbon emitter – is planning to build at least 150 nuclear reactors over the next 15 years, Bloomberg News reported. She recently shared her views with Al Jazeera Digital’s Managing Business Editor Patricia Sabga about nations building …

The draw of space and nuclear technologies
3 years, 7 months ago

The draw of space and nuclear technologies

The Hindu  

Even as billionaire Jeff Bezos was preparing to blast off into space last month, another billionaire, Bill Gates, took an equally momentous decision to launch his own nuclear reactor with an eye on the possibility of exporting fast breeder reactors to power hungry nations. Mr. Gates stressed the importance of nuclear power as the clean energy required to meet the …

Is nuclear power a problem or a solution?
4 years, 8 months ago

Is nuclear power a problem or a solution?

Al Jazeera  

Amid the global climate crisis, environmentalists are divided over the costs and benefits of nuclear energy. We will need it for years to come but their share in the energy mix will decline as renewables, new tech like hydrogen and CO2 capturing technologies, come into play.” Nuclear energy The IEA chief also called for the world to look to nuclear …

Nukes of hazard
6 years, 11 months ago

Nukes of hazard

Salon  

Is it any wonder that nuclear power scares people? But nuclear power comes with plenty of other risks that aren’t so obvious: the hazards of uranium mining, the fouled water, and the radioactive waste. “Countries with a lot of corruption, countries that lock up whistleblowers, they just shouldn’t have nuclear power,” Bunn readily admits. According to a comparison made in …

How should we manage nuclear energy?
7 years, 9 months ago

How should we manage nuclear energy?

BBC  

How should we manage nuclear energy? “If you asked in Hawaii whether they want a nuclear plant, they would say, ‘Absolutely not, not anywhere near’.” Getty Images Over 800 protesters, including some Fukushima refugees, denounced nuclear energy at this demonstration in Tokyo in March 2016 It is a far cry from the hype of the 1950s, when promotional films about …

Nuclear power is set to get a lot safer (and cheaper) – here’s why
7 years, 11 months ago

Nuclear power is set to get a lot safer (and cheaper) – here’s why

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. With more in-built safety systems and a way to reuse old fuel, they are set …

Human error could cause another Chernobyl: Dutch professor
8 years, 3 months ago

Human error could cause another Chernobyl: Dutch professor

NL Times  

Another nuclear disaster like Chernobyl is definitely possible, especially when you take human error into account, according to nuclear expert and professor Wim Turkenburg. "There are 500 nuclear reactors around the wolrd and the chance that another nuclear disaster will happen is certain", he said to broadcaster NOS. "The risk of a nuclear disaster is enhanced by human error. Turkenburg …

COP21: World must embrace nuclear power to save planet from climate change, claim leading scientists
9 years, 3 months ago

COP21: World must embrace nuclear power to save planet from climate change, claim leading scientists

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The world has no little or no chance of escaping dangerous climate change if political …

US nuclear disaster plans inadequate, says report on Fukushima crisis
10 years, 8 months ago

US nuclear disaster plans inadequate, says report on Fukushima crisis

Firstpost  

US nuclear plants must better prepare for the risk of natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis and floods, said a report on lessons learned from Japan’s Fukushima crisis in 2011. Washington: US nuclear plants must better prepare for the risk of natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis and floods, said a report on lessons learned from Japan’s Fukushima crisis in 2011. Things …

Fear of nuclear disaster has no basis: court
11 years, 10 months ago

Fear of nuclear disaster has no basis: court

The Hindu  

The Supreme Court on Monday said there is no basis to the fear that the radioactive effects of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant, when commissioned, will be far reaching. The possibility of hitting tsunami at Kudankulam, as the one that hit Fukushima, seems to be very remote.” The Bench disposing of petitions challenging the commissioning of Kudankulam NPP said: “Few …

Committed to nuclear safety: PM
12 years, 2 months ago

Committed to nuclear safety: PM

The Hindu  

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday reiterated that while the Centre went ahead with its nuclear energy programme to meet the growing energy needs of the country, it would continue to ensure that nuclear power remained totally safe. “The Fukushima incident in 2011 raised justifiable safety concerns about nuclear power … We will ensure that the safety and livelihoods of …

This renaissance is just a fairy tale
12 years, 9 months ago

This renaissance is just a fairy tale

The Hindu  

For a professed proponent of liberalisation and free trade, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's penchant for a technology that cannot float without subsidies is telling. Recently, Westinghouse Electric and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding to negotiate the setting up of AP1000 reactors in Gujarat, ending a slump in interest from the Toshiba subsidiary in India's …

“Impossible to vouch for safety of nuclear reactor”
13 years ago

“Impossible to vouch for safety of nuclear reactor”

The Hindu  

At a time when the debate over nuclear energy is on the boil in Tamil Nadu, German physicist and Nobel Peace laureate Hans-Peter Duerr is as clear on his anti-clear standpoint as his advocacy of solar and other alternative sources for energy security. Dr. Duerr, on his maiden visit to Chennai for invited lectures, told presspersons at the TAG-VHS Diabetes …

Price of power
13 years, 11 months ago

Price of power

The Hindu  

Japan's centuries-old experience in dealing with natural disasters proves inadequate to help it handle the man-made nuclear crisis. THE magnitude 9.0 earthquake of March 11, the 10-metre-high waves of tsunami that followed, and the aftershocks have left Japan devastated, with thousands dead and radiation from damaged nuclear power plants threatening to endanger more lives. Moreover, the government refused offers of …

Doubts about nuclear energy safety
14 years ago

Doubts about nuclear energy safety

The Hindu  

The official announcement that two reactors at an earthquake-damaged nuclear plant could be suffering meltdowns underscores the Japanese nuclear industry's troubled history, and years of grass-roots objections from a people uniquely sensitive to the ravages of nuclear destruction. The unfolding crisis at the two reactors, both at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, feeds into a resurgence of doubts about …

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