Department of Agricultural Economics: Undergraduate Research
Date of this Version
12-2022
Document Type
Article
Citation
Op-Ed from ENSC 230. Energy and the Environment: Economics and Policy, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Agricultural Economics, Fall 2022.
Abstract
The use of nuclear power as a primary energy source is a controversial discussion. However, if reversing or stopping the effects of climate change is our main goal, then this is a top contender. Fossil fuels account for 34 billion tons of emissions annually according to Ritchie, Hannah, et al. (2020). Instead, we can create energy through nuclear fission. I believe nuclear energy should become a much larger player in the energy game.
The first practical use of nuclear power became apparent on December 2, 1942 when a physicist, Enrico Fermi, developed a self-sustaining nuclear fission reaction at the University of Chicago; Brook, Barry W., et al. (2014). This was the first action taken towards nuclear energy. Now, roughly 11.7% of electricity globally is generated from nuclear energy, behind hydroelectric dams supplying 15.8% shown in a 2011 study.
Included in
Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, Oil, Gas, and Energy Commons, Other Environmental Sciences Commons
Comments
Copyright 2022 Evan Detina