The Chernobyl Disaster in Ukraine (Essay Sample)

The Chernobyl Disaster in Ukraine

Introduction.
As environmental concerns mount in most parts of the world following the advancement of nuclear energy developments, the threat of looming disasters occasioned by nuclear accidents arises. The security of nuclear plants remains a major concern for environmentalists, given the long-term effects of nuclear accidents. The Chernobyl disaster, which occurred on April 26, 1986, at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Pripyat, Ukraine is by far the worst nuclear accident in history and offers the most elaborate exemplification of the dangers that these energy production initiatives portend to humanity (Berger, 1). Researchers have utilized diverse approaches, including environmental measures, the extent of radioactive exposure, and well-being studies, among others, to determine the extent of the disaster’s impact on humanity. This paper seeks to utilize the approaches to offer an elaborate understanding of the disaster and its resultant impact on the human population and highlight the dangers of radioactive exposure on the well-being of victims. Additionally, the paper will draw important lessons from the disaster that could help prevent future accidents, thus guaranteeing the safety and security of at-risk populations.
Interrogating and understanding the causation factor of the Chernobyl disaster would offer an elaborate insight into the operations of a typical nuclear plant and the necessary measures that would help to avert danger. According to Jaworowski, the disaster occurred following two steam and hydrogen explosions at the nuclear reactor (148). Subsequently, the explosion and fire released large amounts of radioactive material into the atmosphere that spread over much of the western Soviet Union and Europe. Following this occurrence, many people were exposed to high levels of radiation resulting in diverse health implications, including fatalities. Given the basic workings of radioactivity, which is characterized by the production of long-living chemicals such as cesium, their impact on the health outcomes of individuals exposed to them may last a reasonably long period (Peterson, 16). For instance, in the Chernobyl disaster, territories in Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus were polluted, and radioactivity in these regions has been high for several decades after the disaster (Peterson, 16). Therefore, the need to explore diverse indicators to establish the extent of the impact of the Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, and other regions in Europe.
The environmental approach presents a useful measure for understanding the Chernobyl disaster and the resultant release of radioactive materials into the environment. The disaster has been considered one of the worst environmental catastrophes in history, given the magnitude of radioactive material released into the atmosphere in its wake (Berger, 2). Environmental degradation portends significant implications on the life outcomes of individuals exposed to radioactive materials. The materials spread into large sections of Europe, thus limiting human activity in the said regions causing widespread environmental contamination. Some of the areas most affected by the disaster remain off-limits to human activity since cleanup efforts are expected to take decades. In a study conducted to test the level of environmental consciousness amongst individuals in regions with active nuclear reactors, Berger made startling findings (5). For starters, the Chernobyl incident has significantly increased the level of worry among people concerning the environment (Berger, 5). In a different study conducted among populations in Germany, it was established that the disaster similarly boosted their level of worry about the environment (Berger, 6).
These findings are crucial as they highlight the visible dangers that nuclear reactor accidents may pose to the environment. Firstly, areas with high levels of radioactive material are inhabitable as they may pose significant risks to the lives and well-being of inhabitants (Peterson, 16). According to the international commission on radiation protection, low doses of radioactive materials similarly portend significant health implications and may accelerate the development of various malignancies following human exposure (Peterson, 64). These radiations similarly have a significant impact on flora and fauna, hence rendering such regions inhabitable. While a radioactive accident may occur in a particular country, its impact may be felt directly in various other countries as was the case with the Chernobyl incident, which transcended the Ukrainian border into Belarus, and Russia. Therefore, irrespective of whether a region experiences high or low radiation levels, such localities are rendered inhabitable and this results in significant losses such as the displacement of populations.