Nuclear energy is sustainable

Climate change and the environment are some of the primary policy concerns internationally. While much of the talk about reducing harmful emissions and greenhouse gasses revolves around solar, wind, and hydro energy, nuclear energy also needs to be a part of the conversation. Due to misconceptions and paranoia, nuclear energy is not often discussed as a path forward for environmental sustainability. In addition to producing massive amounts of energy, nuclear power plants are incredibly clean. According to Duke Energy, nuclear plants emit infinitesimal degrees of radiation to the surrounding area. In fact, one X-ray irradiates a patient more than a year of working at a nuclear facility.^[1] Additionally, they produce zero greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. Nuclear waste is also partially reusable and has only produced 90,000 metric tons in the US since plants first started operating in the 1950s.^[2] By contrast to coal, which produces nearly 25 percent of the US's electricity, produced 140 million tons of ash in 2014 alone.^[3] We need environmental responsibility, and not considering nuclear energy needlessly excludes a viable option for a cleaner future.

[P1] Nuclear energy needs more consideration as a clean energy source. [P2] Nuclear plants produce very little radiation and no greenhouse gasses [P3] Plants produce very little waste compared to other energy sources. [C] In addition to being very clean and safe to operate, nuclear power plants produce a low volume of waste to manage, with a portion of it being reusable.