Is nuclear power a solution?

  Nuclear power harvests nuclear energy from nuclear reactions. Purportedly decreasing the carbon footprint in the environment, pro-nuclear power exponents all around the world expound on the virtues of nuclear power. However, as with everything that is new and innovative, there are definitely pros and cons to consider before applying a concept into reality.  

One of the major advantages of harvesting nuclear power as a source of energy is that as a readily available technology, it is not necessary to develop it further. This saves time, effort and cost, besides being a fairly easy way to generate power. Of the 437 nuclear power plants that are around the world currently, almost all of them use uranium to produce heat which boils water, which in turn drives the turbines, generating a fairly stable source of electricity which is definitely a greener alternative to generating power using fossil fuels, with a relatively low carbon footprint. 

Another advantage of generating power using nuclear power as an alternative power source is that in a single nuclear power plant, large amounts of electrical power can be generated. The upside of this is of course the lower operating cost per unit of electricity generated compared to the more conventional methods of generating power currently in use. Thus, this is a potential market for a cheaper alternative supply of power.  

There are, however, two sides to this coin. As good as nuclear power sounds as a greener alternative, there are also the cons that greatly outnumber the pros in this case. For one, the containment of radioactive waste is still a problem in many countries. Radioactive waste can be devastating to its immediate surrounding environment. Looking back at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the nuclear impact from 1945 still lingers in both the vicinities, as observed from the numerous mutations of plants, animals, and humans born there. It is thus quite unbearably worrying to think of the consequences of an exploding nuclear power reactor. It is impossible to build a 100% accident proof reactor that is not prone to leaks.  

Furthermore, countries with nuclear power plants are prone to terrorist attacks. It would be too easy to drop a missile in the middle of a nuclear reactor and watch the impact unfold on the surrounding areas. One might say that these countries are making the job of the terrorists too easy for them. There is also a chance that in countries that produce electricity via nuclear power, they can also produce nuclear weapons, which is a point to be concerned about.  

Coming back to the question whether nuclear power is a solution or not; while it may be a greener alternative, there are also many worrying cons that plague this concept. There are many other green alternatives to generate power, such as wind power and solar power that also generate a lower carbon footprint than the burning of fossil fuels. Many African countries, considered empty and barren, can capitalize on the solar power option. Having large, open stretches of land that is constantly exposed to the sun during the daytime, it begs the question why this idea was not explored yet. While nuclear power may be a solution, there are better options and solutions to be considered as of yet.