Qualitative Content Analysis of the Use of Nuclear Power

¶ … Komi Emmanuel Fiagbe Gbedegan

Overview of Proposed Study (based on Dr. Steve Munkeby comments)

Nuclear energy is defined as energy in the nucleus or core of an atom, which is primarily a small unit that contributes to all matter in the universe (Josephson, 2000, p.2). In the past few years, energy has received considerable attention because of the increased environmental impact of conventional sources of energy that rely on burning of fossil fuels. Actually, these conventional energy sources have contributed to global climate change, which continues to affect the world's ecosystems. Nuclear energy offers a suitable alternative source of energy that could help in dealing with the problem of global warming or climate change. However, the share of nuclear energy in the global energy mix has decreased at a time when it should be increasing as evidenced in the decreased usage of this energy.

This proposed study seeks to explore the phenomenon of decreased usage of nuclear energy at a time when it should be increasing with regards to addressing global climate change. In the study, the researcher will focus on factors that contribute to decreased use of nuclear energy, which is an important source of power in the global energy mix. The specific problem to be explored in the study is the decreasing use of nuclear power when global warming and climate changes indicate an increasing need to use nuclear power (Remo, 2015).

The research question to be examined in the study is, "What factors are decreasing the use of nuclear power when global warming and climate changes indicate an increasing need to use nuclear power?" The researcher will identify studies that focus on decreased nuclear energy usage and utilize NVIVo software to identify common themes and patterns. These studies and analysis will help in gaining insights about the phenomenon of decreased nuclear energy usage. By the end of the study, the researcher will synthesize these independent studies and provide insights on factors that contribute to decreased nuclear energy usage. The research will be based on lessons and insight gained from sustainability concentration. In essence, the phenomenon of the decreased nuclear energy usage will be examined on the basis of sustainability considerations or sustainability aspects.

Overview of Proposed Study (based on Dr. Daphne Depores comments)

In the past few years, energy has received considerable attention because of the increased environmental impact of conventional sources of energy that rely on burning of fossil fuels. Research has shown (Remo, 2015) these conventional energy sources have contributed to global climate change, which continues to affect the world's ecosystems. Nuclear energy is defined as energy in the nucleus or core of an atom, which is primarily a small unit that contributes to all matter in the universe (Josephson, 2000, p.2). Nuclear energy offers a suitable alternative source of energy that could help in dealing with the problem of global warming or climate change. However, the share of nuclear energy in the global energy mix has decreased at a time when it should be increasing as shown by global warming and climate changes.

This proposed study seeks to examine the phenomenon of decreased usage of nuclear energy at a time when it should be increasing because of global warming and climate changes. In the study, the researcher will examine various issues that have characterized the decrease of nuclear energy recently in order to gain insights on sustainability aspects or sustainability considerations that might support a reversal of this trend and contribute to the industry's resurgence. The specific problem to be examined in the study is what contributes to decreased nuclear energy usage when global warming and climate changes indicate an increased need to use nuclear power (Remo, 2015).

The research question to be examined in the study is, "What contributes to nuclear energy declining at a time when its share in the global energy mix should be increasing to help solve climate change?" Sustainability aspects or sustainability considerations will be used as the basis of examining the phenomenon of decreased nuclear energy usage and probable ways of reversing this trend. In essence, the significance of nuclear energy relative to its decreased usage will be based on whether this energy source is sustainable and its environmental impacts.

The researcher will identify studies through restricted inclusion criteria that focus on decreased nuclear energy usage and utilize NVIVo software to identify common themes and patterns. During the process of identifying relevant studies, the researcher will look for journal articles and contextual studies that present words or phrases that equate to sustainability. Some of the words or phrases that equate to sustainability that will be used include