I am beginning to dread my daily ritual of reading some of the international headlines on the news sites I read. Between the crisis in Japan, the invasion of Libya, and the other political issues in Yemen and Syria, it's a time of great conflict around the world these last few months.
There is some encouraging news about the nuclear crisis in Japan. An article today on the Huffington Post provided insight as to the possibility of mandatory safety standards being implemented for nuclear energy. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that there are some improvements in the serious situation in Japan, in particular the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear sites. Reports have surfaced as to the weaknesses of the current emergency responses to nuclear disasters, especially in light of the events in Japan and the safety records of Japanese nuclear plants are being closely examined. This has prompted discussion as to whether making safety standards mandatory is a good idea. Currently, the safety standards outlined by the IAEA are voluntary and there has been discussion as to whether it should be made mandatory. The IAEA is limited in its role as an advisor and each country is ultimately responsible for the safety measures taken.
My reflexive opinion is that yes, safety standards for nuclear energy should be made mandatory due to the potential dangers when equipment malfunctions or when a natural disaster compromises a nuclear facility. Nuclear energy can be potentially dangerous and efforts to promote safety measures should be encouraged. As I continued to read the article my opinions changed. Yukiya Amano (the head of the IAEA), suggests that not all board-members were on board with the proposal for mandatory safety measures. A great point was made that in order to create a consensus of all members, changes will be slow and almost certainly less than optimally effective. This seems to be a common theme in many development issues. Thinking back to my experiences in Model United Nations conferences in high school, any draft resolutions about issues like health or human rights (you name it), had to be scaled back from what would be ideal in order to create consensus among different country representatives. It is difficult to create consensus or even the support of the majority in international affairs.
On a slightly lighter note, I found this cartoon developed and broadcast on Japanese television to explain to children the series of events that have taken place over the last 10 days at the Fukushima nuclear plants. It is interesting and somewhat insightful however I have to wonder how much of the information presented in the cartoon children will actually be able to understand. I have included the video below, it is also available on Youtube.
Wow, that cartoon is...interesting to say the least. I wonder from which point of view this cartoon was created; could it be the same people that are doing their best to cover up the severity of this and the potential dangers? Due to the near-certainty that "everything will be okay" presented in that cartoon in comparison with what I have read throughout your blogs and have heard in the media lately, I tend to think it is. Although the effects of nuclear disaster can take a long time to be fully understood and measured accurately, I do find comfort in the fact that nothing serious has happened yet and as the days go on the chances of significant impact as a direct result of this do APPEAR to diminish over time.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing I'd like to point out is that I've been seeing a lot of "Pray for Japan" stickers. Being a devout atheist I simply can't resist pointing out the irony in the fact that if there IS a god, he would have been the one to allow for this to happen to the earth; so what is the use in praying??? That is all I have to say for now. Look forward to reading your next blog Lisa.
Love, Kevin
Change is a slow process, governments need to understand that some of their decisions have global impact. I just hope this incident does not cause more death and suffering. It is encouraging that nuclear agencies in other countries are re-examining their policies after this disaster. The cartoon seems to have gone too far in making analogies to less dangerous substances. I hope that the Japanese parents and educators help the children understand the gravity of the situation. We enjoyed reading your blog and wish you the best with your studies.
ReplyDeleteI think the nuclear crisis is slightly hyped up. Even though the radiation level on the West coast of North America have been measured to be higher than normal, the amount of it is still too small to have any effect. So we're covered. Side note: I saw some videos of small but noticeable tidal waves coming into SF Bay and all around the west coast. Kind of neat but also makes you realize how bad it must've been there. Back on topic...It's very unfortunate that this happened but I think at this point Japan is doing everything they can to isolate the situation. High levels of radiation have been found in water source and the public has been notified.
ReplyDeleteLet's be happy about the fact that there is no fallout because this is a power plant, not a bomb. This is a light water reactor. Chernobyl was a totally different reactor design. Coolant loss will cause overheating (what we are seeing right now), but it will also stop the reactor. If anything, it will be like the Three Mile Island incident in the US.
- Vlad
Way to go Lisa. You really have your finger on the problems of the world at the moment and your opinions were expressed very well. We are very impressed and proud of you. Keep us posted.
ReplyDeletePat and Henry