Bautz 1

Nicholas Bautz
Mrs. DeBock
English IV Honors
September 24, 2015
Essential Question: Is nuclear energy sustainable and efficient for the advancement and
perpetuity of mankinds efforts?
Working Thesis: Nuclear energy is sustainable and efficient for the perpetuity and advancement
of mankind.
Refined Thesis: Although some critics may disagree, Nuclear energy is still the most sustainable
and efficient form of energy for the intestinal fortitude of mankind.
Annotated Bibliography
Clayton, Mark. "Nuclear Power Does Not Compare to Other Renewable Energy Sources."
Nuclear Power. Ed. Lynn M. Zott and Helga Schier. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2013.
Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "How Green is Nuclear Power?" Christian Science
Monitor (7 Mar. 2007). Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 9 Sept. 2015.
The article argues that nuclear energy does not compare to other forms of renewable
energy in terms of cost and efficiency. The fact that every energy source leaves a carbon footprint
is constantly and thoroughly emphasized throughout the article. However, the article contradicts
itself multiple times by noting forms of so-called carbon free energy. Clayton goes on to argue
that renewable energy offers more bang for the buck. However, a lack of supporting evidence for
this point is presented making the point seem weak. Subsequently, the article struggles to present
evidence from both sides of the argument. This will make denunciation of these claims nearly
effortless. This article will assist with forming a strong push behind the central idea as its claims

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disagree with the thesis of the paper. Claims made by Clayton will be respectively facile to
denounce in body paragraphs.

"Hazardous and Radioactive Waste." The Environment: A Revolution in Attitudes. Kim Masters
Evans. 2008 ed. Detroit: Gale, 2008. Information Plus Reference Series. Opposing
Viewpoints in Context. Web. 9 Sept. 2015.
The article intends to establish a detailed and specific understanding of
hazardous/radioactive wastes. Firstly, the article explains what hazardous/radioactive wastes
actually are as well as the problem they present in society. Several visuals, including pie charts,
graphs, maps, and photographs, depict hazardous/radioactive wastes repetitively throughout the
entire article. Different methods of hazardous waste disposal are thoroughly synthesized in the
article; all of which are related with federal regulations regarding disposal. The article then goes
on to note the sources of radioactive waste in the United States; nuclear reactors are noted as the
most common source by far. The classes of waste produced by these sources are then
comprehensively discussed. This article is critical for establishing an understanding of
hazardous/radioactive wastes along with threat they pose to society to synthesize the central idea
of the paper.

Josephson, Paul. "Nuclear Power Poses Threats to Safety and the Environment and Should Be
Scrapped." Nuclear Power. Ed. Lynn M. Zott and Helga Schier. Detroit: Greenhaven
Press, 2013. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "Japan Nuclear Crisis: Seven Reasons Why
We Should Abandon Nuclear Power." Christian Science Monitor (14 Mar. 2011).
Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 9 Sept. 2015.

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The article at hand takes a rather harsh stance against nuclear power. Author, Paul
Josephson, reasons that nuclear power should just by scrapped as a whole and that it should be
replaced by other forms of energy like solar and wind energy. Josephsons pinnacle argument is
potential dangers imposed by nuclear power on population centers. Several examples, including
Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, and Fukushima Daiichi, are noted as nuclear disasters. The article
goes on to argue that no secure repository for spent nuclear fuel exists presenting few supporting
details. Mother Nature and terrorism are also noted as cons of nuclear power. Josephson
concludes stating that the costs of nuclear power outweigh the benefits. However, neither a
strong source of supporting evidence nor a logical reasoning follows this claim. Lastly,
Josephson notes energy alternatives evident to be less costly. This article would be critical to
establish an opposing viewpoint throughout the research paper. The weak evidence accompanied
by the opposing viewpoint allows for the vital strengthening of the central idea.

"Nuclear Energy." Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection. Detroit: Gale, 2015. Opposing
Viewpoints in Context. Web. 9 Sept. 2015.
The article strives to create a general overview of nuclear energy as a whole. Both sides
of multiple arguments on this topic are presented along with brief supporting details. An
understanding of nuclear energy is established and built on throughout the article. The history of
nuclear power is perceived as pinnacle for the argument to seem palpable. A rather brief
comparison of nuclear energy between Russia, USA, France, and Great Britain is demonstrated.
The advantages and disadvantages of nuclear power are noted and profoundly explained. Nuclear
power is compared to fossil fuels as possessing an advantage while its noted disadvantages are
costs and disposal of wastes. Several instances of nuclear disaster are noted and briefly

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explained. The article also explains the problem in great depth that is faced with the disposal of
radioactive waste. This article is necessary in that it can be used to assist with creating an
understanding of nuclear power. Since the article is primarily unbiased, an understanding of the
topic and the components of the thesis can be established effectively without belittling the central
idea of the paper.

"Nuclear Share of Electricity Net Generation, 1957-2007." Energy: Supplies, Sustainability, and
Costs. Sandra M. Alters. 2009 ed. Detroit: Gale, 2009. Information Plus Reference Series.
Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 9 Sept. 2015.
The chart presents a model showcasing the net generation of electricity by nuclear power
from 1957 to 2007. This data is critical to help demonstrate how nuclear power plays a role in the
energy industry.

Wernau, Julie, and Lisa Black. "Dry Casks Can Minimize the Health and Security Risks of Spent
Nuclear Fuel Pools." Nuclear Power. Ed. Lynn M. Zott and Helga Schier. Detroit:
Greenhaven Press, 2013. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage
Comes Under Scrutiny." Chicago Tribune 19 Mar. 2011. Opposing Viewpoints in Context.
Web. 9 Sept. 2015.
The article addresses a clear and present problem with nuclear energy which is the
disposal of nuclear waste. Wernau notes dry cask radioactive waste storage as a solution to this
issue that is currently being enacted. It is emphasized that dry casks are able to withstand nearly
all types of natural disasters, making them a safe and secure method of hazardous/radioactive
waste disposal. It is noted that theft of radioactive materials or terrorism would be nearly

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impossible as dry casks consist of several layers of concrete and steel. The author takes a fair
standpoint on dry casks, noting all of their possible advantages and disadvantages. This article
would be crucial for providing a viable alternative for radioactive/hazardous waste disposal
throughout the research paper. Thus, the central idea will possess a strong arsenal of supporting
evidence.