Advantages and Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy
Like all things, there are tradeoffs associated with nuclear power. Yes, it produces cleaner energy than burning fossil fuels—with no nasty air pollution or toxic mercury. But it does produce radioactive hazardous waste that has to be dealt with safely. The table outlines some advantages and disadvantages of nuclear power.
| Advantages of Nuclear Power | Disadvantages of Nuclear Power |
| We have a large supply of uranium that can last perhaps thousands of years. | Getting to uranium supplies requires surface or subsurface mining and its associated pollution of the land. |
| It can extend our supply of fossil fuels because it would mean using fewer fossil fuels. | Placing funding and research money toward nuclear power could divert money from the development of renewable energy sources such as wind and hydropower. |
| It produces much fewer carbon dioxide emissions, which are responsible for global warming, than fossil fuels. | Carbon dioxide is still emitted during the mining and transport stages, just not during the service stage. |
| It produces much less toxic sulfur, nitrogen, and mercury than do fossil fuels. | It produces hazardous radioactive waste that has to be safely disposed of. |
| There is a low risk of accidents. | When accidents do occur, they can be deadly for people and wildlife. |
