The Enduring Effects of Nuclear Fission - Essay Example

The Enduring Effects of Nuclear Fission Working from the discoveries of Albert Einstein among others, scientists successfully split the atom in the 1930’s. This momentous event led to nuclear power and the nuclear bomb, one has the potential to supply massive amounts of environmentally friendly energy, the other the potential for deadly consequences on a global scale. Unleashing the atom for the first time gave mankind the ability to destroy the earth and forever altered the concept of warfare.

It was the most important discovery of the Twentieth Century and has the potential to effect the Twenty First Century more so than any other one event. The limited use of nuclear weapons has been discussed as a viable option in this new era of heightened terrorist activities and will be a very real possibility in this century. Nuclear energy has been judged the best known alternative to coal-burning electricity generating power plants and its use could play a large part in reducing greenhouse emissions.

The greatest challenge facing mankind in the Twenty First Century will be reversing the effects of global warming and combating the perception of nuclear generated power from the general vilification it has undergone in the past two decades. The term ‘limited nuclear war’ is ambiguous at best and considered an oxymoron by some who are confused by the concept of combining ‘nuclear bomb’ and ‘limited use’ together within the same phrase. (Brown, 1988: 177). ‘Limited nuclear war’ may describe a conflict restricted to a specific geographic region, a conflict that does not require all of the weaponry at hand or may refer to a conflict in which all weapons are used but on a limited number of particular targets.

However, as challenging as this indistinct term is to define, it is a much easier task than implementing a limited nuclear war to a satisfactory resolution. (Ward, 2003). The concept of limited nuclear engagements has recently developed further within the military hierarchy but the taboo subject was seldom discussed openly among both private and public sectors until the September 11 attacks. The reasoning for the use following Sept. 11 and in the future is obvious to some who argue that because the U.S. is involved in a non-traditional war against an unpredictable and fanatical adversary, they must be eliminated by any means possible including the limited use of limited power nuclear weapons.

As evidenced in Afghanistan and Iraq, targets located underground cannot be destroyed with conventional weaponry. Scientists have warned that if drastic steps are not taken now, the effects of global warming will soon become irreversible and the global temperatures will continue to rise regardless of future steps to reduce harmful emissions. Therefore, nuclear power facilities should quickly be built to replace coal burning electric plants. Nuclear plants could provide all the electricity that would power all businesses and residences and will also provide the power for electric cars.

Nuclear power is the only viable substitute that could replace the massive power needs of the planet and could be built in time to save the planet. The environmentalists who oppose nuclear power plants should realize that this may be the only way to avoid the looming affects of irreversible global warming. The concern primarily revolves around the disposal of nuclear waste. “Nuclear waste is to be deposited in deep geological storage sites; it does not enter the biosphere. Its impact on the ecosystems is minimal.

An intelligent combination of energy conservation, and renewable energies for local low-intensity applications, and nuclear energy for base-load electricity production, is the only viable way for the future” (Comby, 2006). Some point to the potential deaths resulting from nuclear plant accidents. To date, only the Chernobyl melt-down caused deaths. Compare the safety record of nuclear power plants to the safety record of coal mines. If protecting the environment from nuclear waste is the concern, consider that oil tankers spill millions of gallons of oil into the seas every year.

Nuclear energy has been proven safe and waste is negligible. “Nuclear energy produces no CO2 and the volume of nuclear waste produced is very small, a typical family’s use of nuclear energy over a whole lifetime produces vitrified waste the size of a golf ball” (Comby, 2006). The discovery and development of nuclear fission, the splitting of the atom, is an unequalled event of the past century. The use of this newly unleashed power could be used to save or destroy the planet and mankind along with it.

It was the most important event in either century with greater implications for the present century than even the past which is a solemn realization. Works Cited Brown, Robin. “Limited War.” Warfare in the Twentieth Century. Colin McInnes & G.D. Sheffield, (eds). London: Unwin Hyman, 1988. Comby, Bruno. “The Benefits of Nuclear Energy.” TNR Editions. (October 2, 2006). August 20, 2007 “(The) Effects of Nuclear Weapons.” Friends of the Earth. (2005). August 20, 2007 Ward, Olivia.

“Armageddon Back on the Table” Toronto Star (August 2003). August 20, 2007.