Does nuclear energy still have a part to play in the world?

Yes, nuclear energy still has a part to play in the world. Nuclear energy is by far one of the most efficient sources of energy. Despite a high cost of building a nuclear plant, the cost is much cheaper in the long run. With its high efficiency, it is more cost-efficient and people would not need to pay as much money for energy too.

Also, it is much more environmentally friendly compared to fossil fuels. The burning of fossil fuels causes global warming and releases gasses which pollute the air. Nuclear energy does not involve burning, bringing down the prospect of pollution.

However, nuclear energy does have shortcomings and risks. Nuclear waste not properly disposed would also be a great harm to the environment. However, countries like France have already started ways to recycle this nuclear waste. With the advancing technology, nuclear waste would not be of a problem in the future.

The greatest risk of nuclear energy is portrayed in the scenario of the nuclear crisis in Japan and also Chernobyl. These cases, even if the extremes, is a great risk and would be troublesome to handle if broken out. Also, being the extreme worst case scenario, these are not often and despite posing a fatal threat, is not much of a problem. Everything comes with pros and cons. If we stop using nuclear energy because of it's risks, why not stop burning fossil fuels with the risk of it exploding and causing a major disaster altogether?

Nevertheless, nuclear energy, being the most efficient source of energy, still has a part to play in the world. Never mind the risks, nuclear energy has more advantages than disadvantages.