Current Connections Japan’s Dangerous Dance With Nuclear Power Mr Melrose - Spring 2012 Spring 2012 Japan’s Dangerous Dance With Nuclear Power Mr Melrose - Spring 2012 Spring 2012

Today’s Agenda Japan’s Energy Crisis The tsumani and its effect on Japanese views of nuclear power Japan’s nuclear history The pros and cons of nuclear power for Japan Japan’s energy future Discussion Questions Japan’s Energy Crisis The tsumani and its effect on Japanese views of nuclear power Japan’s nuclear history The pros and cons of nuclear power for Japan Japan’s energy future Discussion Questions

March 11, 2011 A tsunami hit the northeastern coast of Japan. Over 15,000 people died Crisis still at hand at Fukushima Daiichi Power Plant A tsunami hit the northeastern coast of Japan. Over 15,000 people died Crisis still at hand at Fukushima Daiichi Power Plant

Japan’s Nuclear Crisis The effects of the tsunami created a massive meltdown in multiple nuclear reactors. The site has been abandoned, and no one is allowed to live within 30 km of the site. The Prime Minister (PM) of Japan has suspended building new plants. The effects of the tsunami created a massive meltdown in multiple nuclear reactors. The site has been abandoned, and no one is allowed to live within 30 km of the site. The Prime Minister (PM) of Japan has suspended building new plants.

Japan’s Nuclear History August, Two atomic bombs are dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In the wake of WWII, Japan had to rebuild By mid-1960’s, Japan is building and using nuclear power plants. August, Two atomic bombs are dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In the wake of WWII, Japan had to rebuild By mid-1960’s, Japan is building and using nuclear power plants.

During the 1960’s, 70’s, and 80’s, Japan built power plants % of power was nuclear goal was 47% of power was nuclear Godzilla? During the 1960’s, 70’s, and 80’s, Japan built power plants % of power was nuclear goal was 47% of power was nuclear Godzilla?

The double-edged sword Japan is an island nation Japan needs to import or create 84% of its current energy needs. Nuclear power is a “clean” “cheap” alternative. What is the cost of nuclear power for Japan? Japan is an island nation Japan needs to import or create 84% of its current energy needs. Nuclear power is a “clean” “cheap” alternative. What is the cost of nuclear power for Japan?

Discussion Questions How does Japan’s history make the issue of nuclear power more challenging? What would need to happen for the people of Japan to trust nuclear energy again? How does Japan’s history make the issue of nuclear power more challenging? What would need to happen for the people of Japan to trust nuclear energy again?

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