We have power
By Kim Sun-ae
Is it right to leave radioactive waste from nuclear power plants to our children and grandchildren? Now is the time to think about the problems of and alternatives to our current energy production system which depends on nuclear power and fossil fuel.
The nuclear power plant meltdowns at Fukushima and Chernobyl show that nuclear accidents may occur anytime due to unpredictable causes. Above all, the biggest problem of nuclear power is that we cannot dispose of nuclear waste safely. Spent nuclear fuel must be stored safely for over 100,000 years. Nonetheless, we can't be sure that radioactive substances will not leak during the long period.
Companies and institutions related to nuclear power gave much money to the media to form a pro-nuclear public opinion. The book “Last Emergency Exit” discloses that many newspapers received money from Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. and published articles to advocate nuclear power.
Contrary to general perceptions, nuclear power is not safe or cheap. Environmental experts say that nuclear power has hidden costs such as those for spent nuclear fuel disposal, decommissioning, and preparation for accidents. It is necessary for citizens to know the truth about nuclear power through related education in schools and civil society.
Coal power as well as nuclear power has problems too. According to the National Institute of Environmental Research, coal power plants emit air pollutants including nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide that can cause respiratory diseases. In Korea, coal power plants are concentrated in South Chungcheong Province, and the death rate of residents in the province due to respiratory diseases is 1.5 times higher than the national average (Statistics Korea). Coal power plants also result in global warming and fine dust. Therefore, it would be desirable to reduce coal power.
Renewable energy such as solar and wind power can be an alternative to nuclear and coal power. I have invested in a solar power cooperative. Taking part in the solar power generation is one way of replacing nuclear and fossil fuel power.
According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, if solar photovoltaic panels are installed on the rooftops of all the available buildings in Korea, including factories and office buildings, nuclear power plants would not be needed. If the government actively supports the development of renewable energy, we will be able to produce electricity solely from renewables.
Individuals may seem to have no power to bring about change. Nevertheless, we do have some power. I will vote for a party that implements policies for a nuclear-free and fossil fuel-free Korea. Also, I will let more people know of the importance of decreasing the use of nuclear and fossil fuel energy. Together, we can think about the direction in which we should go.
If we take an interest in these issues and begin making a change, however small, the change may expand little by little. When we do what we can now, the world will be changed gradually but definitely.
Kim Sun-ae (blog.naver.com/dancinglf) wrote a book of illustrated essays, "Old Potato, New Potato."