Nuclear energy should not be dismissed and should be included as a major element of an alternative energy source to replace fossil fuels, because it has the greatest potential to be the main source of energy. energy source of the future that can work with other alternative renewable energy sources to combat global warming and help meet the growing global energy demand. Nuclear power, which has historically been portrayed as a dangerous and evil energy source, has recently received renewed attention as a form of alternative energy and has been rehabilitated in the eyes of the public after growing concerns about global warming and increasing energy demand (World Nuclear Association 2011). However, due to the Fukushima accident in March 2011, the public's perception of nuclear safety was revised downwards. This accident sparked fear and “had a significant impact in diminishing support for nuclear power” (Wallard, cited in Reaney 2011). This incident reignited the debate on nuclear energy within the international community. This essay will examine the anti-nuclear energy movement's arguments that previous nuclear accidents prove that nuclear power still carries the risk of major catastrophe. This essay will also consider the argument that nuclear waste poses a risk to the environment and health, and finally that nuclear power is not necessary since there are better alternative renewable energy sources. This essay will then refute these arguments by explaining that nuclear power has an excellent safety record and that nuclear waste is a treatable problem, and finally that nuclear power can coincide with renewable energy sources to combat global warming and meeting energy demand. First, Greenpeace (nd) claims that middle of paper ...... Stand Point, accessed November 10. United States Environmental Protection Agency 2007, Radiation Risks and Realities, accessed November 10, 2011, <http://epa.gov/radiation/docs/402-k-07-006.pdf>.Walker, R 2008, Wind Farms 'Threat to National Security', NowPublic, accessed November 10, 2011, < http://www. nowpublic.com/crime/wind-farms-threat-national-security>.Wehrwein, P 2011, Radiation Risk in Japan: Understanding Radiation Measurements and PuttingThem in Perspective, Harvard Health Publications Harvard Medical School, accessed November 10, 2011, .World Nuclear Association 2011, The Nuclear Renaissance, accessed November 10 2011,.