Do We Need Nuclear Energy to Stop Climate Change?

Provided by: Kurzgesagt - In a Nutshell |Published on: April 27, 2021

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Synopsis

This video shows the benefits and disadvantages of using nuclear energy as an alternative to fossil fuels.
Students will learn that many nuclear power plants in the Western world are old and have fallen into disrepair, and countries that invest in new nuclear technology build better nuclear power plants for a lower cost.

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Subjects: Engineering

Authors: Kurzgesagt - In a Nutshell

Region: Global

Languages: English

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Teaching Materials

Prerequisites:

Ensure students are familiar with renewable vs. nonrenewable energy sources and the definition of clean energy.

Interdisciplinary Connections:

Social Studies:
- Students discuss policies, public service campaigns, incentives, or other methods for investing in clean energy.

Extensions:

Students identify a nuclear power plant in the United States using this energy infrastructure map and research when the plant was built, how it is being maintained, and how much energy the plant produces. Students then research newer nuclear plants and compare the statistics.

Related Resources:

Other resources on this topic include this interactive data tool that shows which countries use nuclear energy, this video on how nuclear energy works, and this Vox video on why nuclear power plants are shutting down.

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Do We Need Nuclear Energy to Stop Climate Change?

Synopsis

Teaching Materials

Scientist Reviewed

Related Teaching Resources