You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
We have been living in the nuclear age now for over half a century. Since the first atomic bombs were developed, nuclear technology has provided governments with the ability to totally destroy the planet. Yet the technology has been put to positive use as an energy source and in certain areas of medicine. To what extent is nuclear technology a danger to life on Earth? What are the benefits and risks associated with its use?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
You should write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer 1
Since the inception of humanity, energy has been like oxygen to mankind. As said in the famous saying necessity is the mother of all inventions, man has created many new forms of energy to cater to his needs. To generate the continuous supply of energy we have been using non-renewable resources. Nuclear energy has emerged as a clear alternative to the conventional non-renewable resources which are depleting at an accelerating rate. But, with its hugely rewarding merits, it has proven itself as a dangerous alternative which can be fatal if placed in wrong hands.
The nuclear emission can be fatal to the living organisms and thus the production and consumption have to be done with a lot of caution. For instance, the USA used nuclear weapons on Japan, Hiroshima Nagasaki. We can never forget the horrendous mass destruction it caused and the after effects present till date. Since then, the world super powers have reached many agreements to not repeat such usage of nuclear technology which can threaten the life on earth. Furthermore, the Tsunami in Japan brought Japan and its neighbours at a high risk due to emissions from the impacted Nuclear Energy plant.
While the dangers of nuclear technology are well known and measured, the advantages it provides are huge too. The Amount of energy it can generate can make a country self-sufficient for its energy needs. Countries like Japan have realised this and are now generating the nuclear energy on large scale. Japan has ensured that all the safety precautions are addressed to marginalise the dangers.
Since every scientific invention has proved to have two facets, Nuclear energy can prove to be an answer to the energy problem of the world, provided it is used wisely. All the countries, small or big, must come together and work towards using the Nuclear Technology as a tool of development.
[By – Deep Kagda]
Sample Answer 2
In the past, nuclear technology was instrumental in defining the military power of a nation. It revolutionised the way wars are fought now. Nowadays, governments are doing more R&D, how to use this technology in a controlled environment to benefit power, medical, commercial and industrial sectors. This essay will analyse the merits and demerits of using nuclear technology for civilian usage.
Nuclear power plants can be made using this technology which will provide a cheap source of power for developing countries where energy crisis are rising ever year. For instance, Iran is using its nuclear power plants to generate electricity. However, suppose safety procedures are not followed strictly in operating these power plants. In that case, it can result in leaking of radiation in the environment which can have adverse effects on mankind and the ecosystem of the region. Power plants in Russia is an example where radiation leakage happened due to mishandling and that caused the death of many power plant workers.
Medical sciences and medical equipment are other domains where nuclear technology can be used to cure patients. For instance, Cancer, which was widely believed to be a non-curable disease, can now be cured to some extent by exposing the patient to radiations on a regular basis. Again, this procedure of curing is painful and does not always work.
Another benefit that nuclear technology can provide is in oil and gas exploration. Nuclear well logging is used t help predict the commercial viability of new or existing wells. It is also used in food processing, where food is treated with ionising radiation. This food treatment if not handled with care can contaminate the food with radiation, and it would be disastrous if the food reaches the market unchecked.
To conclude, the above provides advantages and disadvantages associated with using nuclear technology for civilian purposes. In my opinion, even if nuclear technology is used in a strictly controlled environment with proper safety measures, it still poses a threat to mankind and our planet’s ecosystem. We should expand our research and look into other technologies that can be an alternative to nuclear technology and are environmentally friendly.
[By – Tauseef]
Sample Answer 3
These days, many people are afraid of nuclear technology because of the dangers associated with its use. In my opinion, although nuclear weapons pose the greatest threat to life, using nuclear technology for peaceful purposes also carries some serious risks.
Nuclear power stations provide a crucial cheap power source for many industrialised nations and developing countries. However, there is always the danger of radiation leaking from these plants. Even though safety precautions are taken, there have been numerous disasters, such as the nuclear plant explosion in Russia not long ago.
Nuclear technology is even used to help cure some diseases, such as cancer. Radiation can be applied to the body to burn away cancerous cells. This is, however, a dangerous procedure, and the application of radiation is almost always painful and not always successful.
The most worrying aspect of nuclear technology is its use for military purposes. Enough atomic bombs have already been built to eradicate the planet, and the real danger is that one day some country will start a war with these weapons. Too many countries now have the technology required to make such bombs, and there is much debate about how to control the situation.
In conclusion, nuclear technology certainly has positive uses but is dangerous. However, it would have been better if it had never been used to create nuclear weapons. If life on Earth is to continue.