Understanding Radiation - Union of Concerned Scientists
Oct 4, 2024 · When a radioisotope decays, it may emit energy (radiation) in the form of alpha or beta particles or gamma rays. If the energy of these particles or rays is high enough, that …
How Radiation Interacts with the Human Body
Oct 4, 2024 · The way radiation enters the environment or human body can affect what health outcomes researchers expect to see. Nuclear toxicologists investigate the absorption, …
How Does the Sun Affect Our Climate? - Union of Concerned …
Jul 16, 2009 · The Sun-climate connection. The Sun is the source of most of the energy that drives the biological and physical processes in the world around us—in oceans and on land it …
Benefits of Renewable Energy Use - Union of Concerned Scientists
Jul 14, 2008 · In contrast, most renewable energy sources produce little to no global warming emissions. Even when including “life cycle” emissions of clean energy (ie, the emissions from …
Health Impacts of Radiation Exposure - Union of Concerned …
Oct 4, 2024 · Acute exposure to radiation (as in direct contact with radioactive material or being near a nuclear detonation) can result in cutaneous radiation injury (CRI), a skin burn that can …
CO2 and Ocean Acidification | Union of Concerned Scientists
Jan 30, 2019 · CO 2 concentrations drive rising temperatures and acidification. The rising concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is driving up ocean surface temperatures …
Environmental Impacts of Geothermal Energy - Union of …
Mar 5, 2013 · Air emissions. The distinction between open- and closed-loop systems is important with respect to air emissions. In closed-loop systems, gases removed from the well are not …
Coal Power Impacts - Union of Concerned Scientists
Nov 15, 2017 · Coal impacts: water pollution. When you burn charcoal in your grill at home, ash is leftover. The same is true for coal-fired power plants, which produce more than 100 million …
Environmental Impacts of Wind Power - Union of Concerned …
Mar 5, 2013 · Wildlife and habitat. The impact of wind turbines on wildlife, most notably on birds and bats, has been widely document and studied. A recent National Wind Coordinating …
Environmental Impacts of Solar Power - Union of Concerned …
Mar 5, 2013 · The sun provides a tremendous resource for generating clean and sustainable electricity without toxic pollution or global warming emissions. The potential environmental …