Concerns about climate change and the supply and cost of oil have stimulated a “nuclear renaissance” and given the nuclear industry a new lease of life. In order to revive its sagging fortunes, a resurgent nuclear industry is promoting and justifying nuclear power as a panacea for global warming.
Despite the hype about the burgeoning future of nuclear power, the International Atomic Energy Agency made the embarrassing announcement in September 2008 that the nuclear power industry is in a state of global decline. The world’s nuclear electricity generation decreased by two percent in 2007. Fourteen countries that are currently building nuclear power plants are accumulating substantial and costly delays.
On 21 June 2008, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the government was willing to consider the use of nuclear energy, but not before exploring alternative sources, such as solar and hydro energy.
Before the government of any country decides to embark on a nuclear energy programme, it has a duty and a responsibility to have an open and honest debate with the people of that country. It needs to deal with the mythology of nuclear energy – the myth that nuclear energy is clean; that it is cheap, that it is safe, that it is the answer to climate change, and that it will not increase the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation.
climate effect and natural energy
the effect of global warming has already changed the climate in this country. back then we can say solar can be our alternative. but now, for example in k.l., we are getting a lot lesser sun than we did before. then again, isnt hyrdo power means more dams?
we can stop using carbon based electricity. but what about billions of vehicles burning carbon everyday? but again, we are forgetting the amount of coal burned to make parts for the vehicles everyday.
sacrifices have to be made. human is at the risk of extinction if this crisis is not fought.
nuclear power might not be save. nor is cheap. but how long research must we wait to find an alternative power source? while waiting, the whole north pole might already be gone. just recently there was an announcement that some oil company claim to have found one of the largest oil reservoir. huh?
NOTE: THIS COMMENT IS A PERSONAL EXPRESSION OF AN INDIVIDUAL.
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