Nuclear energy and our responsibility to future generations

Abstract

In this paper I will try to reconsider whether the argument of responsibility towards future generations represents plausibile critique of global use of nuclear energy. Nuclear energy is considered one of the possible solutions for overcoming various environmental challenges, due to the fact that it represents an energy source that can provide society with all the necessary amounts of energy for a long time and that does not create unfavorable effects of solid fuel emissions, such as the destruction of the ozone layer and the greenhouse effect. However, from the perspective of responsibility towards future generations, I will try to show how the nuclear industry, due to its irreversibility character, cannot represent the most suitable ecological solution in the present. I will try to further support the plausibility of the argument, addressing human rights as a modern ethical and political view, which bases moral responsibilities towards future generations on the liberal society values, according to which the freedom of individuals and their right to lead a dignified life are respected.