Assignment+7+Does+the+world+need+nuclear+energy+TED+debate PDF

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Homework assignment number 7 with questions and answers about why nuclear energy is a good idea...

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NRS 100 – Natural Resources Conservation Spring 2017

Assignment #7 Does the World Need Nuclear Energy: Debate between Stewart Brand and Mark Jacobson https://www.ted.com/talks/debate_does_the_world_need_nuclear_energy Due by 10:00 PM on Monday, April 17th Please read and follow the rules provided in the Assignment Instructions Please watch the attached TED debate between Stewart Brand and Mark Jacobson and answer the following questions (see link above). 1) Before you watch the debate, explain whether you are for or against nuclear energy expansion across the planet. Why or Why not? 2) List at least five of the strongest points made by Stewart Brand. 3) List at least five of the strongest points made by Mark Jacobson. 4) Who made the most convincing argument? Why? 5) Did your position or thoughts about nuclear energy change after watching the debate? Why or why not? 1. I do not believe that nuclear energy should be used across the whole planet. The initial cost for a nuclear power plant is very high and there are many major risks that we take by using nuclear energy. There has been incidents in the past where towns near nuclear power plants are now covered in radiation. Not only is it dangerous, but there is a very poor system at storing the waste product and the material used to make the energy is nonrenewable. 2. Five points by Stewart Brand: 1. The amount of waste of nuclear energy to coal is substantially less. 2. We can control nuclear waste as coal is released into the atmosphere 3. Nuclear is cheaper and taken from already made nuclear warheads. 4. Nuclear energy is constant energy 5. Nuclear energy is much safer in the long term 3. Five points by Mark Jacobson: 1. Longer to establish a plant 2. nuclear can be used as a weapon 3. other resources can be used off land 4. Carbon footprint is smallest with renewables 5. More than enough renewable resources

NRS 100 – Natural Resources Conservation Spring 2017

4. I think Stewart made the most convincing argument. The two biggest points he had were, nuclear is constant energy. Other options vary depending on the weather. Nuclear is much more reliable. Second, his opening line of those who know the least about nuclear fear it the most. Yes nuclear can be dangerous but it does less harm than coal and with today's technology he can be managed much more safely. 5. I opinion changed when i realized the amount of waste produced is so minimal and that it is not as dangerous as it seems. Wind and solar can be used with nuclear but it is not as powerful and and reliable as the constant source of nuclear energy....