Hybrids and Nuclear Energy

Both Carolina Reader essays explore the negative and positive aspects of two different topics both concerned with lowering pollutants. One, an article by Jamie Lincoln Kitman discusses hybrid cars and adresses that most are not helping the environment at all while costing the consumer more money. The second, an article by Patrick Moore, explores the facts and myths about nuclear energy and claims that it is the best way to generate energy without polluting as much as its alternatives. Both authors not only support their strong sides of the argument but also adress the opposing sides as well. Kitman says that Hybrids are thought to "reduce gasoline consumption" and "dependence on foreign oil" by running on battery, however, in truth, it depends on the hybrid and also how/where you drive it. He says that while they are technologically advanced and ,therefore, intriguing, he says that hybrid vehivle assure "extra weight, extra complexity and extra expense." He suggests that the use of hybrid taxis and buses are realistic and will definitely reduce pollutants and get the city's money's worth. On, the other hand, Patrick Moore also explores rebuttal perspectives while strongly arguing his claim that nuclear energy should be further explored and employed as the main use of energy. He states that although he "doesn't want to underestimate the very real dangers of nuclear technology in the hands of rogue states, we cannot ban every technology that is dangerous." He explores the other alternatives to power such as wind power, solar power, coal, hydroelectric power, natural gas, and fossil fuel and states why nuclear energy is the best choice since it is "the only viable substitute for coal." Another effective aspect about Moore's article was his true/false section that stated the myths about nuclear energy and why they are myths as opposed to facts. And since Moore is the co-founder of Greenpeace, his argument is even more convincing by displaying that nuclear power may actually be in the best interest of the earth. While Kitman is a bureau cheif af an automobile magazine, he doesn't establish as much credibility as a proclaimed expert would, although his job does entail his full knowledge of vehicles and their markets.