The Phenomenon of Decreased Usage of Nuclear Energy

¶ … Decreased Usage of Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy can be described as energy in the nucleus or core of an atom, which is basically a small unit that results in all matter in the universe (Josephson, 2000, p.2). Nuclear energy is an issue that has attracted considerable attention in the recent past given the increased environmental effects of the conventional sources of energy. This increased attention is largely attributable to evidence in existing literature that conventional energy sources contribute to global climate change through affecting the world's ecosystems (Remo, 2015). As this issue continues to attract attention among policymakers, governments, and environmentalists, nuclear energy has been regarded as a sustainable energy source with capability of addressing the problem of climate change. Research has demonstrated that nuclear energy has the capability of meeting current energy needs in an environmentally sustainable way. Actually, nuclear energy is considered as a clean, safe, and sustainable source of power that can be exploited and utilized to meet the ever-increasing energy needs across the world.

Despite its potential to address global climate change, the share of nuclear energy in the world's energy mix continues to decline at a time when it should be increasing. It is relatively unclear why nuclear energy is not increasingly used in today's society while it has been proven as sustainable and clean energy source. A survey of current processes of generating power or energy shows that conventional energy sources continue to dominate the global energy mix regardless of the devastating environmental impacts. In essence, the world has seemingly refused to embrace nuclear energy, which is sustainable and clean, in favor of energy sources that continue to exacerbate global climate change.

Therefore, this research will primarily focus on the phenomenon of decreased usage of nuclear energy at a time when its share in the global energy mix should be increasing. Through this study, the researcher will seek to determine the contributing reasons for decreased use of nuclear energy. This research will be carried out in consideration of the existing energy needs and the potential of this energy source to meet the needs in an environmentally friendly manner. Moreover, the examination of the phenomenon of decreased usage of nuclear energy will be conducted in consideration of sustainability concepts since the researcher is from the background of environmental and social sustainability. These considerations will be utilized as the premise for identifying the probable means of reversing the trend of decreased usage of nuclear energy in order to deal with climate change effectively.