Eco-Lizzie

We need to make a big change, and soon. 40-42 billion tons of carbon dioxide are emitted every year, and that number is only increasing. This is not sustainable. As the world looks for better ways to produce clean and reliable electricity, nuclear energy continues to be one of the most talked-about options. Nuclear energy can be used for generating electricity in the place of gases, which currently make up about 43% of all power in the US. While the word “nuclear” can elicit a lot of fear and hesitation, when you look closely at what it offers, it becomes clear why many experts believe it should play a big role in our future energy plans.

Nuclear energy is created through a process called fission, where the nucleus of an atom is split to release heat. That heat turns water into steam, which then spins turbines to generate electricity. A major advantage of this process is that it doesn’t produce carbon emissions during operation. Embracing nuclear energy could drastically reduce the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere, slowing down climate change. Another benefit of nuclear energy is its dependability. Unlike solar or wind power, which depend on the weather, nuclear plants run continuously.

Safety is often the biggest concern people have, and it’s true that past accidents have shaped public opinion. However, modern reactor designs are far safer than those built decades ago, like Chernobyl, which exploded in 1986. Today’s systems include multiple safety layers and passive features that can shut down the reactor automatically if something goes wrong. In fact, nuclear power is often rated as the safest form of energy, especially compared to fossil fuels.

Newer technologies are also changing the way we think about nuclear energy. Small modular reactors (SMRs) are smaller, more flexible, and potentially cheaper to build. This eliminates one of the biggest obstacles to embracing nuclear power, which is the cost. They can be placed in remote areas or used to support industrial facilities. Some advanced reactors may even be able to use existing nuclear waste as fuel, helping reduce a long-standing environmental challenge.

Of course, nuclear energy still faces obstacles. Questions around waste disposal, high construction costs, and complex regulations remain important issues to solve. But with continued innovation and thoughtful policy, these challenges can be addressed.

Nuclear energy isn’t the only answer to our energy needs, but it can be an important part of a cleaner and more reliable energy future. As technology advances and the world continues to search for sustainable solutions, nuclear power remains a strong option worth serious consideration.

Here’s what you can do to help: Write to your local congressperson to let them know the benefits of nuclear energy. While support for nuclear energy is increasing within both parties, many people are hesitant. Also, educating those around on the benefits of nuclear power can help increase education and awareness surrounding this issue.