Ethics of Nuclear Waste

Ethics of Nuclear Waste

“Spent Nuclear Fuel”

Me

An Ethical Cultural Analysis

Mentor, Dr. Richard Bergstrom

Table of Contents

1.0 Title Page……………………………………………………………………………...1

2.0 Abstract………………………………………..……………………………….……...3

3.0 Introduction………………………………………………………………………....4-5

4.0 Discussion Themes…………………………………………………………..…….6-14

4.1 Creating Nuclear Fuel…………………………………………………….....6-7

4.2 Creating “Spent” Nuclear Fuel……………………………………………...7-8

4.3 Dealing with Spent Nuclear Fuel……………………………………….…...8-9

4.4 The Fukushima Connection……………………………………………......9-10

4.5 The Ethical Problem……………………………………………………...10-14

5.0 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………......15-16

6.0 References……………………………………………………………………………17

Abstract

The discussion about the existing waste problem often links to the discussion about nuclear energy in general. The ethical framework of the nuclear power industry will be discussed and developed in this paper to evaluate the sustainability of the current nuclear power generation system in the US. Nuclear power has become a place of controversy and political sensitivity for some time now in the public. Much controversy stems from claims of the social and ethical implications associated with nuclear power. From what I have researched and understand it seems like the nuclear community has given mixed responses to the debate on public awareness of the social, political, and technical risks that deal with nuclear power generation. There have been claims of irresponsibility to a degree and more specifically attention to the inherent hazards of the nuclear fuel cycle. This paper does not represent an attack on the civilian nuclear community, but merely points out an ethical flaw in their leaderships past and present decisions.

Introduction

The topic of investigating the ethics of nuclear power in western culture seemed a daunting task. I decided to challenge my self and tackle a difficult and publically controversial topic, the fact...