Japan Nuclear Accident Confirms Need to Pursue Alternative Energy Vigorously
As the spectre of a nuclear meltdown haunts the world in the wake of the tsunami in Japan, renewable energy appears even more attractive
Online, March 13, 2011 (Newswire.com) - As the world reels from the terrifying scenes of the tsunami in Japan and now deals with the possibility of a partial nuclear meltdown, we are reminded that there is no such a thing as safe nuclear power.
Some Western countries like France and Germany have many nuclear reactors and Italy, which does not have any, has plans to build nuclear stations to supply one quarter of its energy.
"Nuclear may appear as a short-term solution, but what we really should be focusing on is renewable, clean energy that is safe and can reduce our carbon footprint. Consistent policies are required to make it happen", said Antonio Pasolini, editor of Energy Refuge, a top web destination for alternative energy news and commentary.
Energy Refuge echoes the sentiment amongst European environmentalists who have expressed their opposition to plans for more nuclear stations in Europe. They say Europe is not ready to protect its people from nuclear accidents, considering that it's not safe even in a technologically advanced country such as Japan.
While it's true that the incident in Japan may not reach the magnitude of a Chernobyl accident, the episode sends a strong warning against nuclear energy and hopefully it will inform any political decisions regarding the future of energy.
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Tags: alternative energy, Japan, nuclear power, Tsunami