Greenpeace

Greenpeace is an environmental organization that opposes nuclear energy and the use of toxic chemicals. In the following viewpoint, Greenpeace contends that no safe methods have been developed to dispose of the radioactive waste produced by nuclear power plants. According to the organization, the most popular solution is to bury nuclear waste, but buried waste can release harmful gas into the air and leach into underground waters. Greenpeace argues that as more nuclear power plants are shut down, the amount of radioactive waste that must be disposed of will increase, heightening the risk of contamination.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Greenpeace, what are the differences between high level, intermediate level, and low level nuclear waste?
2. Why might “spent” fuel force the closure of numerous nuclear power plants, as...