Nuclear energy has always been controversial. But since the tsunami and nuclear disaster in Fukushima(Japan) in 2011, the issue is back in the headlines. And the world is divided—some countries are planning more nuclear plants, while others have promised to shut theirs down.
After Fukushima, Germany decided to switch off all its nuclear plants by 2022. __小題1:__ In fact, almost 80% of France's electricity comes from nuclear power, the highest percentage in the world. And in the US, the Obama administration said it “continues to support the expansion of nuclear power, despite the crisis in Japan.”
Nuclear supporters claim nuclear power can help the environment. 小題2:__ So, pronuclear countries argue that nuclear power allows them to generate energy without contributing to climate change. Britain's chief scientific adviser(John Beddington) supports this view.
Nuclear power is also relatively cheap. Renewable energy sources such as solar, hydro and wind power may be clean, but they're expensive; and right now, they require a lot of investment. _小題3:__ So, while many people may prefer their energy to come from a renewable source, not so many are prepared to pay higher energy bills.
小題4:__ For a start, nuclear waste is very difficult to dispose of, and remains toxic to humans for thousands of years. And even before Fukushima, there were several highprofile nuclear disasters. The most famous is probably the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, in the Ukraine. The radiation from the meltdown spread all over Europe, affecting thousands of people.
The nuclear energy issue is very complex. _小題5:_ As a Japanese commentator recently said, “It's been a bad year for the ‘nuclear village’， but I don't think they're down and out yet.” The battle continues.
| A．And it doesn't look like it'll be resolved anytime soon. |
| B．The main argument against nuclear energy is that it isn't safe. |
| C．Nuclear power could only end the world instead of saving it! |
| D．Many people believe that they will benefit from the unclear energy. |
E．Unlike fossil fuels, nuclear power doesn't create greenhouse gases.
F．But France and the United States remain loyal supporters of atomic energy.
G．This higher cost of using “green energy” is usually passed onto the consumer.
1．______ 2.______ 3.______ 4.______ 5.______
