eric: problems: nuclear power

Nuclear weapons are a classic example of how scientific solutions become problems. The ability of humans to conquer nature has assumed almost arrogant proportions in the 1900s exemplified by the belief that The Titantic was beyond nature's reach. Many of our discoveries, such as DDT have actually created their own problems bigger than the ones they were designed to solve. Nuclear power, which was to provide the ultimate weapon and cheap power is perhaps the best known example of this phenomenon. This section of the module looks at some of the history behind nuclear power. By looking at the technofix pages you will discover valuable material on important alternatives to nuclear power.
Online resources NGOs FOE: Environmental Campaigns - Climate Greenpeace International: Nuclear Is Nuclear Power Making a Comeback? Uranium Information Centre (try the Educational Resources) World Nuclear Association (The case for the defence) Meltdown at Three Mile Island The Orion Project BNFL, including a section on Environment & Safety CND UK - Nuclear power and nuclear weapons Greenpeace's section on nuclear power Directed learning In some ways nuclear power seems the classic example of human ingenuity turning into a nightmare. Can you see any any arguments in favour of nuclear power and how strong do you find such arguments? Sample exam questions Environmental NGOs tend to have exaggerated the costs and minimised the benefits of nuclear power - discuss. Phasing out nuclear energy will be irrational and expensive - discuss with regard to particular examples.	"We'll all fry together when we fry, we'll be french fried potatoes by and by." Tom Lehrer (1951)
Online bibliographies Fact Sheet: South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty	"Years of working in a nuclear power plant have given me a healthy green glow" Mr Burns
2002 ODL Project	home | map