Waste Cartoon

Source (Hancock 2013).

The above refers to the longevity of the nuclear waste problem. Perhaps the cartoon underestimates the prolonged threat it can provide, the issue is going to continue past one generational shift! However, it does stimulate thought in regards to the ethics behind nuclear waste - can we dispose of it in deep geological structures, placing it out of sight and out of mind - if future generations will be impacted by the potential escape of radioactive material over time. Contrasting viewpoints point to different radioactive lifespans - much opposition, including Greenpeace, use the half life (millions of years) of radionuclides to emphasise their anti-nuclear stance. However other evidence would suggest that after 1,000 years the waste would have decayed to a similar level as natural uranium (WNA 2015).

There is no doubt the waste concern will bypass the lives of multiple generations - whether this is moral or not is a big question. It may be argued that leaving the waste for future generations is positive, as if the current technological advancement trends continue then a future society may be in a better position to overcome this challenge than the position we are currently in. Advancements have already begun, for example the vitrification process (UOS 2013) and fuel reprocessing.

Please view my posts on nuclear waste (Parts 1 and 2), for more information and references to other material.