One of the leading reasons for activism against Nuclear energy, is the production of radioactive waste. Though it may sound intimidating and scary, there is, in reality, little that can go wrong, if it is managed well.
Firstly, nuclear waste is not glowing green goo, as is common misconception in hollywood. Nuclear waste is simply the fuel of a nuclear reactor that has been used up and mixed with other materials, for storage purposes. One might even say that nuclear waste is statistically the safest waste produced by any power producing methods (where waste is relevant). It is clear that, besides its unfortunate reputation, nuclear waste is far easier and safer to deal with than any form of waste produced by fossil fuels. Nuclear waste is usually contained in large lead and concrete lined drums, until it decays to a stable state (that is, it is no longer hazardous). The nuclear waste is mixed with special materials like glass, in order to solidify and safely contain the waste.
Furthermore, when considering ones health, nuclear waste is certainly the go to by product:
An estimate of over 8 million people died of fossil fuel waste poisoning in 2018 [1], which further emphasises that it is generally not good practice to release waste into the atmosphere and, as consequence, into the bodies of civilians. Nuclear waste is guaranteed not to inflict any form of harm, provided it is competently dealt with. It is far more difficult to deal with 34 billion tonnes of fossil fuel waste[2] as opposed to 2000 metric tonnes of Nuclear waste(a statistic which includes not only power plants, but medical and research waste production) [3].
Nuclear waste may seem to be an ominous, life threatening waste product, but the reality is that the waste being produced by fossil fuel power plants is not any better, and is certainly not well contained. Nuclear power plants, when in full operation, produce no greenhouse gases, and over the course of its life-cycle will produce an equivalent output of emissions to that of a wind turbine power plant[4]. Fossil fuel power plants have, in contrast, contributed to 79% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and will only continue to do so (likely increasing 79% to 90%). [5]
It is evident that nuclear waste, despite its connotations, is far less harmful if managed correctly. The plant is, as is commonplace knowledge, in need of energy solutions. These solutions are only necessary due to the effects of the waste produced and the methods of power generation. It is vital that we resort to different energy solutions, starting with nuclear energy, if we want to assert a better future for generations to come. The solution is obvious, so why waste?
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