Unraveling the nuclear energy debate

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1979 · Electr. Forum; (United States)

OSTI ID:5621062

Wolfe, B

Dr. Wolfe feels that public concerns about the risks of nuclear power tend to lead to meaningless debate because the central core of the nuclear issue is that philosophical differences are being argued in technical terms, many of which are misunderstood. He points out that the debate over nuclear waste, for example, is centered on the benefit, not the risk, of an acceptable disposal method. He identifies three major themes that recur in discussions among the anti-nuclear groups: (1) the harm that society suffers from cheap, abundant energy; (2) the need to force society to reduce its energy use; and (3) a desire to change the social and economic structure of society. Nuclear advocates, on the other hand, generally endorse the development of alternate energy supplies in order to minimize societal changes. They see energy as the key to solving societal problems and recognize the associated risks as necessary tradeoffs.

• Research Organization: General Electric Co., San Jose, CA
• OSTI ID: 5621062
• Journal Information: Electr. Forum; (United States), Journal Name: Electr. Forum; (United States) Vol. 5:2; ISSN ELFOD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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290600* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
ADVERSARIES
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