The nuclear power debate is a long-running controversy about the risks and benefits of using nuclear reactors to generate electricity for civilian purposes. The discussion peaked during the 1970s and 1980s. Today as public awareness about climate change is growing, there has been a resurgence in the nuclear debate once again. Those nuclear power advocates that are concerned with climate change point to nuclear power's reliable, emission-free, high-density energy and a generation of young physicists and engineers are working to bring a new generation of nuclear technology to replace fossil fuels. Proponents argue that nuclear power is a clean and sustainable energy source which provides uninterrupted energy without polluting the air or emitting the carbon emissions that cause Global warming. Using nuclear power provides plentiful, well-paying jobs, and energy security reduces dependence on imported fuels and exposure to price risks associated with resource speculation and Middle East politics. Nuclear power also produces almost no air pollution compared to burning fossil fuels.
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Opponents say that nuclear power poses numerous threats to people and the environment and point to studies in the literature that question if it will ever be a sustainable energy source. These threats include health risks, accidents, and environmental damage. Along with the fears associated with nuclear weapons, nuclear power opponents fear diversion and misuse of radioactive fuels as well as naturally-occurring leakage. They also contend that reactors themselves are enormously complex machines where many things can and do go wrong, and there have been many serious nuclear accidents.

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