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> Look up Chernobyl. Ukraine already had a meltdown disaster. Spoiler: Europe survived. That sounds like a bare minimum but not really a good argument for or a
by moooo99 4y ago
> Look up Chernobyl. Ukraine already had a meltdown disaster. Spoiler: Europe survived.
That sounds like a bare minimum but not really a good argument for or against nuclear power plants. And if you do some research about the Chernobyl disaster, you might also want to look into the consequences that can still be observed today.
The officially acknowledged death toll is fairly questionable, primarily because of the "liquidators" and their extrem radiation exposure. The exclusion zone is still uninhabitable without facing serious health risks and the consequences can still be seen in countries other than Ukraine. In Germany in some areas the Caesium-137 exposure is still measurably higher than normal.
I totally understand the skepticism around nuclear power, especially in countries directly affected by the fallout in 1986.
Of course, statistically speaking nuclear power is fairly save (but still not without some major issues). But completely dismissing the emotional fear that has been directly shaped by personal experiences for many does a disservice to the whole debate.
- replygirl 4y ago> But completely dismissing the emotional fear that has been directly shaped by personal experiences for many does a disservice to the whole debate. it's 35 years on and there is a preponderance of evidence that nuclear is safe. it may feel like dismissal because people on the pro- side have known and argued the facts for decades. at a certain point you realize the fear is trauma-based for some and cultural for most, and that accommodating it gets you nowhere. holding someone's hand doesn't make stumbling down the energy ladder any more comfortable
- Schroedingersat 4y agoThe people of Namibia and Niger disagree. Low yield nuclear ore has lower usable energy density than coal, and being beaten by french and chinese mine owners then poisoned by heavy metal laden sulfuric acid isn't safe. Edit: On reflection, if you use a modern reactor and modern centrifuges, then the ore from Rossing produces 28MJ/kg of electricity. This is double that of coal. So this is slight hyperbole -- but not by much.