Both positives and negatives toward expanding the use of nuclear power is supported with various thoughtful reasons that include being economically competitive, increased safety precautions, and using alternatives such as solar energy. This is what Epoch Times reporters from Slovakia to Australia discovered when they asked locals: “Do you think the world should continue to expand its use of nuclear power?”
Viliam Michálek, 26, Civil Engineer
I think the nuclear energy should be used, but not abused. Currently, it is the only way to satisfy worldwide energy consumption, although the nuclear waste is a problematic part. Despite this, it is a most pure way of producing the energy, which is able to fulfill the demand. I like the alternative sources, but those can’t ensure the ever-increasing energy need related to population growth. Personally, I see the future in hydrogen energy.
Maria Antonieta de Filippo, 56, Farmer
I honestly do not believe nuclear power should expand. There has been growth in the past. We believe if any country in Europe is to continue to expand nuclear power, there needs to be agreement within the European community. I think there are other alternatives for the world.
Ana Diez, 52, Babysitter
I imagine nuclear power to be something very powerful and dangerous if the volume is very large, and if it is used with a destructive intent. Also, I believe that if it is applied in medicine, it can be very good to resolve several illnesses. On the other hand, this is a time of renewable energies, such as solar energy, and I would avoid to continue increasing the use of this kind of nuclear energy to produce electricity. I think that it can damage the planet and people as well.
Adriano Freitas de Oliveira, 25, Production Engineering Student
We should have more nuclear power. There was a time that nuclear energy was considered the big villain. In my opinion, it is the greatest discovery made by man, but used in the wrong way. With nuclear power, we solve an energy problem without emitting greenhouse gases. By using such technology, only a very small percentage becomes unusable radioactive residue with high toxicity, but regarding this problem, there are several methods of storage where there is no environment or human contact. To not make use of nuclear power is such a waste, especially considering the ecological situation in the future.
Nick Cork, Shop Owner
Yes, I think we should continue with the use of nuclear power because I believe that the safety precautions have improved. And I don’t see any other possible future because we can’t keep burning the fossil fuels, which is really basically a sort of commonly held idea.
Marcela Chvatalova, 25, City Employee
Nuclear energy is certainly needed in these days; every household needs energy. Considering use of other sources of energy production, I don’t think there’s a need to expand the use of nuclear energy.
Sanj Singh 35, IT Consultant
I think it’s just an alternative form/source of energy. There’s always going to be people who try and use it for the wrong reasons I guess, but I think it’s fine. They talk about the Middle East using it for the wrong reasons. I’m sure the states have got nuclear capability as well, but no one seems to frown upon them. But everyone frowns when Korea does it, or Iran does it, so I don’t know how fair it is. The uranium can be used to make nuclear weapons so I guess those are the wrong reasons, but if they’re generating it for the city it’s alright.
Look for the Global Q&A column every week. Epoch Times correspondents interview people around the world to learn about their lives and perspectives on local and global realities. Next week’s global question: “What is the most memorable thing you have done to help another person?”
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