Suppose an Electric-Generating Power Plant Is About to Be Built

Multiple Choice

Suppose an electric-generating power plant is about to be built near your house. The local government has not decided whether to allow coal, nuclear, or oil as fuel for the plant (natural gas is not an option) . Some groups argue coal is the best choice because there is a 200-year supply and using coal reduces our dependence on foreign oil. Critics argue that burning coal produces three times more global-warming gasses than oil. Coal also produces more dust and expels more acid-rain-causing gases than oil. Others argue that nuclear-generated power produces no greenhouse gases and no other atmospheric pollution. Critics argue that there is presently no long-term location to store the radioactive waste that will be generated and question the safety of nuclear power. Over the life of the plant, nuclear is the least expensive option, followed by coal and then oil.
-Which of the earth-system scientist's roles is best illustrated by this paragraph?

A) Alerting public of natural hazards
B) Use of earth resources
C) Ensuring the future of human life
D) Informing society