A Debate on the Future of Nuclear Energy

We are going to watch a current affairs clip in which the Nuclear power is debated.




Before watching

1. What's your view on nuclear power?
2. Is opinion on nuclear power divided in your country?
3. What do you think are the main arguments against nuclear power?
4. What might be the main arguments for it?

1. Reliable power regardless of weather — In favour / Against (Strong / Acceptable / Weak)

2. Radioactive waste remains dangerous for millennia — In favour / Against (Strong / Acceptable / Weak)

3. Extremely low carbon emissions — In favour / Against (Strong / Acceptable / Weak)

4. Nuclear plants are extremely expensive to build — In favour / Against (Strong / Acceptable / Weak)

5. High energy output from little fuel — In favour / Against (Strong / Acceptable / Weak)

6. Construction takes many years or decades — In favour / Against (Strong / Acceptable / Weak)

7. Requires far less land than renewables — In favour / Against (Strong / Acceptable / Weak)

8. Risk of nuclear weapons proliferation — In favour / Against (Strong / Acceptable / Weak)

9. Stable electricity for modern economies — In favour / Against (Strong / Acceptable / Weak)

10. Uranium mining harms workers and environments — In favour / Against (Strong / Acceptable / Weak)

11. Reduces dependence on fossil fuels — In favour / Against (Strong / Acceptable / Weak)

12. Decommissioning plants is complex and costly — In favour / Against (Strong / Acceptable / Weak)

13. Produces minimal air pollution — In favour / Against (Strong / Acceptable / Weak)

14. Long-term waste storage remains unresolved — In favour / Against (Strong / Acceptable / Weak)

15. Long operating life of power plants — In favour / Against (Strong / Acceptable / Weak)

16. Plants require huge amounts of cooling water — In favour / Against (Strong / Acceptable / Weak)

17. Supports energy security and independence — In favour / Against (Strong / Acceptable / Weak)

18. Nearby reactors raise safety concerns for communities — In favour / Against (Strong / Acceptable / Weak)

19. Can be located close to electricity demand — In favour / Against (Strong / Acceptable / Weak)

20. Catastrophic accidents can have massive consequences — In favour / Against (Strong / Acceptable / Weak)

In a debate, what's more important? Rank these from 1 to 7 (there's no right answer to this)

Winning

Having a good conversation

A contest of ideas

Using logic

Using persuasive skills

Convincing everyone that you're smart

Finding weaknesses in your opponent's arguments






Below are 9 tips for skilled debating.

PUT THE WORDS IN THE RIGHT SPACE

A. clearly and concisely

B. professional

C. be certain of

D. arguments

E. pertinent

F. focus on

G. highlight

H. rhetorical skill

I. refutation

J. unacceptable

1. Questions or challenges should be _____________. Insulting, condescending, or comments involving personal language or attacks are _______________.

2.  Critical analysis, synthesis, ______________, and wit are keys to debate success.

3. ___________ the opposing side’s position or argument. Knowing the “other side” is critical for preparing strategies to refute your opponent’s arguments.

 4. Limit your ___________ to three or less.

 5. Use logic to make your arguments. Present these arguments _____________.

 6. Know the common errors in thinking like logical fallacies and use them effectively in your _____________.

 7. Present the content accurately. Only use content that is _____________ to your point of view and draw on support from authoritative sources.

 8. ____________ the validity of all external evidence presented for your arguments. Also, challenges to the validity of evidence should be made only on substantive grounds.

9. Your rebuttal (or conclusion) in a debate is your final summary position. Use it as an opportunity to ________________ important issues that indicate proof of your points or refute your opponent’s argument.

CHECK

1. Questions or challenges should be professional. Insulting, condescending, or comments involving personal language or attacks are unacceptable.

2.  Critical analysis, synthesis, rhetorical skill, and wit are keys to debate success.

3. Focus on the opposing side’s position or argument. Knowing the “other side” is critical for preparing strategies to refute your opponent’s arguments.

 4. Limit your arguments to three or less.

 5. Use logic to make your arguments. Present these arguments clearly and concisely.

 6. Know the common errors in thinking like logical fallacies and use them effectively in your refutation.

 7. Present the content accurately. Only use content that is pertinent to your point of view and draw on support from authoritative sources.

 8. Be certain of the validity of all external evidence presented for your arguments. Also, challenges to the validity of evidence should be made only on substantive grounds.

9. Your rebuttal (or conclusion) in a debate is your final summary position. Use it as an opportunity to highlight important issues that indicate proof of your points or refute your opponent’s argument.

After we have watched some of the debate, go back over these 9 tips and decide whether or not the speakers managed to apply them.





Introduction

In 2011, the Fukushima crisis in Japan had refueled the global debate about the viability of nuclear power. Democracy Now! hosted a debate about the future of nuclear energy between British journalist and activist George Monbiot and Dr. Helen Caldicott.



Watch:

The Nuclear Debate


Watch the debate through and discuss basically why each person believes what they believe.

Also - discuss how the debaters follow or don't follow the 9 tips above

2:20 – 4:57 

George Monbiot 

- In favour of Nuclear power 

1. First just watch: Why is George in favour of Nuclear power? discuss the points he made

2. Now let’s review George’s argument really closely…

Summary: 

Preface: 

Focus: 

Additional point:  

Argument: 

Catch phrase:

1_______________

Is concerned about Fukushima, but ______ that global response to Fukushima will be to…. 

 

2_______________

Coal is much more dangerous than nuclear power for 3 reasons: 

1. 

2. 

3. 

 

3.________________

 

Industrial accidents in coal massively _______ deaths and injuries caused by nuclear power. 

 

_______ fatalities in China last year 

Which is ___ people per day 

Death toll in average week: 

 

4_________________

 

____________people contract lung disease due to coal 

 

5._____________

 

Not calling for ________, but ________ 

 

6. ____________

“We must not….