FEB 2020: NUCLEAR ENERGY
Current Research for Public Forum Debate Class…
TOPIC: NUCLEAR ENERGY
Resolved: The United States should increase its use of nuclear energy for commercial energy production.
Shared Folder: PF Research Folder [2020-03-01] = Nuclear Energy.
BACKGROUND:
For decades, the development of nuclear power has sparked staunch debate among scientists, politicians, and activists alike. For its proponents, the promise of nuclear energy is clear: It\’s the most effective means of reducing greenhouse gases and combating climate change while still meeting the world\’s growing demand for energy. And to date, nuclear energy produces approximately 10% of the world\’s power and rakes in billions in revenue in the United States alone. But its critics argue that expanding nuclear energy is dangerous and ill-advised. They cite the high costs of building powerplants, the potential consequences of a meltdown, and the challenge of managing waste. Rather, they argue, we should look to wind and solar to meet our energy demands. Should nuclear energy fuel our future?
It’s Time to Expand Nuclear Power (Intelligence Squared, January 23, 2020)
REQUIRED RESEARCH VIDEOS:
Nuclear Energy Explained: How does it work?,
Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell, March 26, 2015 [5 min]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcOFV4y5z8c
[CON] Is Nuclear Energy Is Terrible?,
Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell, April 1, 2015 [4 min]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEYbgyL5n1g
[PRO] Is Nuclear Energy Awesome?,
Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell, April 1, 2015 [4 min]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVbLlnmxIbY
Clip: What is the best way to decarbonize the energy sector?,
Intelligence Squared, January 23, 2020 [2 min]
https://www.intelligencesquaredus.org/debates/it%E2%80%99s-time-expand-nuclear-power
NOTE: This video clip is the third video (of three total) from the left.
REQUIRED RESEARCH ARTICLES:
Nuclear Energy,
National Geographic, Last Updated: May 24, 2011
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/nuclear-energy/
[PRO] Why Nuclear Power Must Be Part of the Energy Solution,
Yale University, July 19, 2018
https://e360.yale.edu/features/why-nuclear-power-must-be-part-of-the-energy-solution-environmentalists-climate
[CON] 10 Reasons to Oppose Nuclear Energy,
Green America, Last Accessed: February 2020
https://www.greenamerica.org/fight-dirty-energy/amazon-build-cleaner-cloud/10-reasons-oppose-nuclear-energy
OPTIONAL RESEARCH ARTICLES/VIDEOS:
What Is Nuclear Energy?,
Nuclear Energy Institute, Last Accessed: February 2020
nei.org/fundamentals/what-is-nuclear-energy
How a Nuclear Reactor Works,
Nuclear Energy Institute, Last Accessed: February 2020 [1.5 min each]
https://www.nei.org/fundamentals/how-a-nuclear-reactor-works
IMPORTANT: Scroll down to find the videos (please watch both).
…
CONTACT INFORMATION (Coach Bill):
Bill Eddy,
coachbill@magnetacademy.com
714.655.8135 (I prefer text)
When contacting me, please include your name and class information (day/time). Thanks!