List of Pros and Cons of Nuclear Proliferation

Nuclear proliferation takes place when nuclear weapons, technology that is applicable to their creation and fissionable materials are allowed to spread to countries that are not typically considered to be states of nuclear weaponry. When the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons does not recognize a nation as being one of the nuclear weapon states, this is when nuclear proliferation occurs.

Nations who utilize nuclear proliferation are typically doing so for a number of different reasons, most of which have very little to do with constructing harmful weaponry. Some nations rely on nuclear proliferation for increased electricity, which helps to ease their energy production concerns.

There are valid arguments for and against nuclear proliferation and the debate does not appear to be dying down anytime soon. The pros and cons of this practice are numerous and the following list breaks down these advantages and disadvantages.

Pros of Nuclear Proliferation

1. Great For Eliminating Pollution
In a world where people are continuously being implored to change their ways as far as energy consumption is concerned, nuclear proliferation is a great way to decrease overall dependency on fossil fuels and begin to make the shift to a more sustainable fuel economy.

By continuing to use this form of energy, Earth’s overall pollution is decreased. The ozone layer has undergone serious damages, due to the world’s reliance on fossil fuels. When we replace our fossil fuel usage with cleaner nuclear energy, the damage to the ozone layer is decreased and the strain that fossil fuels place on worldwide stability is reduced.

2. Reliably Converted Into Electricity
Countries that have begun to utilize nuclear proliferation to help ease their energy concerns are already experiencing a number of helpful benefits. Fossil fuels are a finite fuel source and many scientists and research have predicted that they will run out during our lifetimes if we do not make serious adjustments as a planet.

Conversely, nuclear proliferation provides countries that struggle to provide electricity to their population in an efficient manner with a renewable source of energy. Its reliability is top notch and there is never a point in time when nuclear proliferation cannot be used. Even in the midst of a severe disaster, this form of energy production remains viable.

3. Harmful Effects Are Easy To Prevent
Detractors of nuclear proliferation make a point of emphasizing all of the terrible things that can happen as a result of utilizing nuclear energy in this manner, but they typically forget to mention that most of the harmful effects caused by nuclear proliferation are very preventable and should not keep a country that is starved for renewable energy away from using it.

Countries that take the proper precautions to safeguard their citizens from nuclear proliferation’s side effects are able to enjoy all of the benefits, without being forced to deal with the drawbacks. While the process can leave humans exposed to harmful emissions and has been compared to the burning of coal, human respiratory risks can be reduced by taking the correct precautions.

Cons of Nuclear Proliferation

1. Dangerous When Used By The Wrong People
As with any other form of nuclear energy, nuclear proliferation poses very real risks to the population at large, since there is always a risk that the energy could fall into the wrong hands and end up being used as a weapon. Should this take place, the world could potentially be at the mercy of a person who wishes to destroy a large swath of the population in a mere instant.

These instances are precisely what was supposed to be avoided when the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons was signed. The treaty was written with the intent of providing countries that have struggled with the threat of nuclear weaponry in the past the opportunity to gain valuable peace of mind. Nuclear proliferation flies in the face of this principle.

2. The Chance of a Major Meltdown
Nations who use nuclear proliferation responsibly and have no intentions of developing dangerous weaponry are still at risk for a major meltdown. When a nuclear meltdown takes place, the effects can be far reaching and the consequences often take months, if not years, to be fully sorted out. If a meltdown occurs, this sends toxic amounts of radiation into the atmosphere.

This makes nuclear proliferation especially dangerous for countries to rely upon as a continuous source of power. In the months and years following a meltdown, a nation is at far greater risk of seeing its population develop severe diseases, which is a major reason why so many countries are avoiding nuclear proliferation at all costs.

3. Radiation Is Damaging To The Environment
Whenever an increased presence of nuclear energy takes place in a nation, this leads to additional environmental damage that can be catastrophic. Even the most well run nuclear proliferation initiatives struggle to properly dispose of nuclear waste and as a result, the surrounding environment is placed at risk. Countries that value their ecosystem will usually opt against nuclear proliferation, in an effort to preserve their natural beauty.

Both animal and plant life are often destroyed or altered in a negative manner when the amount of nuclear waste in a region undergoes a significant decrease. The beauty of nature and the ability for animal life to thrive are both compromised when nuclear proliferation becomes a part of the equation. Animals and humans alike both suffer when nuclear energy is used, even if it is used safely.