Nuclear Issues
Nuclear, the first thing that comes up in
my mind is destruction, radiation, death. Although the term “nuclear” is
pertaining to or involving atomic weapons operated, like in a nuclear war, or
powered by atomic energy like a submarine.
Researching more and more, I wanted to know
what are the world-wide laws against nuclear weapons, if there are any. All
their restrictions, and most of all: ARE WE SAFE?
Browsing the internets various research
engines, I have found out an article called “Nuclear Proliferation Treaties
Under Pressure”. Where it lists
numerous treaties that were signed and formed over the 20th century,
like for example “The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty” which was
ratified in 1975. Which is a treaty ratified by 187 countries, one of the
biggest treaties regarding “arms control”. Their objective is to prevent the
spread of nuclear weapons.
Studies
have also proved that when countries do nuclear testing, there is a high chance
for other countries to be intimidated and start an arms race. Consequently the
“The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty” was formed. Which was designed to
prevent testing of nuclear weapons and hence reduce the chance of an arms race.
After
this researching, I felt a bit safer, but then I found out that none of these
treaties were being respected, especially in the last decade.
The
problem is that countries don’t know either to permit everyone a nuclear weapon
in order to have a stable threat in every country and so avoid the use of it,
having no country to produce it. Instead only some countries have nuclear
weapons. There are many controversial theories on “arms control”. Some could
say that it is better that only some have them, and form treaties of protection
for countries that are unarmed. Some say that no country should have one, but
then there could be an illegal contraband of nuclear weapons, and if weapons
like these fall in the wrong hands, it could sign the end of mankind.
Nuclear
activity has also positive aspects. Nuclear energy is one of the most efficient
forms of producing electricity today.
In the
1950s the first nuclear powered stations were born. Researching nuclear energy I
have found out that “there are now over 430 commercial nuclear power reactors
operating in 31 countries, with 372,000 MWe of total capacity.”
Which is
a lot of energy.
Nuclear
energy, which is “energy released by splitting the atoms of certain elements”
like “uranium” and “plutonium”, was originally discovered for the production of
bombs in the 1940s. Its “peaceful” results were discovered some years after.
Nuclear
energy is becoming always more efficient and secure. It covers 13% of the world’s
electricity production.
Like
everything in life, nuclear technology has its positive and negative aspects.
Nuclear
issues are one of the most fragile topics that there are, because of its many
peculiarities.
Jeff t.W
Source:
Nuclear
Weapons
Author
And Page Information
by Anup
ShahThis Page Last Updated Tuesday, December 06, 2011
Nuclear Power in the World Today
(updated April 2012)
http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/inf01.html
Nuclear weapons are the most dangerous weapons on earth. Nuclear explosions produce both immediate and delayed destructive effects.One can destroy a whole city, potentially killing millions, and lives of future generations.The dangers from such weapons arise from their very existence. However, people are still creating this weapon. Yes, it is true the world is a dangerous place, but the fact is that nuclear weapons add to that danger.
RispondiEliminaNuclear weapons were first invended in the 2nd world war and are getting more and more powerful and with stronger radiations every day. These weapons could wipe out entire cultures and devast future generations. Although we have to remember that these weapons help to mantain the peace between "major" nations from when nuclear was invented peace regins, because nations know that if a nuclear war stars, the world will end.
RispondiEliminaAlthough nuclear energy is efficient, it has been problematic. We have not found a way to safely dispose of the depleted uranium rods, which continue to emit harmful nuclear radiation for millions of years after we've used them. Also, due to unanticipated human errors, such as Chernobyl in the '80s, or natural disasters, such as the tsunami hitting Japan in 2011, the harm caused by a nuclear accident can be huge. This has lead Germany, for example, to recently stop using nuclear energy for their energy needs.
RispondiEliminaPerhaps in the future, as our fears subside, we will be able to design safer nuclear power plants and figure out a way to dispose of our nuclear waste in an environmentally friendly way. In the meantime, I hope our young scientific minds are able to develop new and more efficient renewable energy resources, ones that do not emit carbon dioxide, to meet our future energy needs.
-Mr. Martin - 10th grade physics teacher
People and countries should not have nuclear power as it is too strong and not everybody is able to use it. In fact, it was launched a nuclear bomb in Hiroshima that brought many deaths and problems in the future because radiations stayed there for years. It is not a way to end war but to create problems.
RispondiElimina