Power Generation

Power generation is a crucial issue that has ramifications that affect society on many different levels. Every energy source has its proponents and its detractors, all whom have their own agendas. Power production impacts all fields of human endeavor, ranging from the political to the scientific.
The political dimension to power production come from the fact that large amounts of energy are required to keep modern societies running smoothly, so access to energy sources and even the construction of power generation facilities are often topics in diplomatic discussion. For example, hydroelectric dams built on rivers that flow through multiple countries often spark conflict over water usage rights. Another example is oil, which is used by many different countries as a political tool.
Since energy is needed in large quantities, economics is heavily affected by power production. For example, the companies that transport, refine, and sell oil are some of the most profitable in the world. Changes in the price of oil affects the economy significantly.
Social issues also come into play, with different groups objecting to different forms of energy production for many different reasons. There are a large number of people who object to nuclear power, due to fears about radiation, and cite the two well-known accidents at Three Mile Island and Chernobyl as indicative of the safety of these facilities. Objects against oil and coal are raised by groups concerned about pollution, the negative impacts on health, and political issues. Other groups object to wind power because of concern for the safety of local wildlife. Almost all forms of power generation face opposition from local groups who don't want these facilities having a negative impact on the aesthetics of their towns.
Power production also affects scientific and industrial issues, because these two fields need large amounts of energy to function. There is a lot of research and development on systems that use less power, and methods of power generation that are safer and more efficiently use rare resources. For example, oil is needed not only for energy production, but heating, transportation, plastics production, making fertilizer, as well as making many other chemicals. Another example is silicon, which is needed for the production of solar cells, as well as the production of almost all electronics.
Power production is intimately tied to modern life, and the effects can cause major changes throughout all aspects of life.