Re:Prevented mortality from historical and projected nuclear...
by thinkingkong on Wednesday May 29, 2019 @12:42PM
(#20042367)
I think the challenge is the “fast acting” vs “slow acting” consequences of our energy choices. Coal and Gas fired generating facilities have long term consequences but a picture of 1000s of people affected with cancer doesnt have the same impact.
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Re:Prevented mortality from historical and projected nuclear...
by DennisP on Wednesday May 29, 2019 @01:18PM
(#20042817)
Dam failures are pretty fast acting, but people aren't afraid of dams.
Re:Prevented mortality from historical and projected nuclear...
by TremendousJudge on Wednesday May 29, 2019 @01:56PM
(#20043303)
Everybody understands (or think they understand, anyway) water flow and dams. Very few people understand radiation
Re:Prevented mortality from historical and projected nuclear...
by AlanSE on Wednesday May 29, 2019 @12:51PM
(#20042473)
Gas fired plants cause cancer?
Re:Prevented mortality from historical and projected nuclear...
by gnode on Wednesday May 29, 2019 @02:27PM
(#20043647)
Natural gas exhaust still has some particulates, carcinogens, and radioactive components, but is generally much cleaner than coal. Because it's in the gas / liquefied phase, the most harmful components of raw natural gas (sulphur and heavy metal compounds) can be largely processed out before burning.
With coal, these have to be scrubbed from the exhaust, which is more difficult and usually less thorough.