Japan and the nuclear question Ryan Yates

Overview Fukushima is considered the worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl Food and wildlife for over 1256 square kilometers was affected by the nuclear fallout Before the accident nuclear energy consisted of 25-30% if Japans energy supply This was predicted to rise to 50% by 2030 Nuclear energy allowed Japan to wean off heavy exports of fossil fuel, but since the accident it has caused Japan to put itself in its first trade deficit since 1980

Bases for nuclear energy Japan has considered Nuclear power a pillar in energy for more than 50 years. Before the accident Japan had 50 working reactors throughout the country Energy diversification grew, reduced dependence on foreign oil, held stable pricing, and had been emission free Nuclear energy was helping reduce C02 emissions nearly 14% a year

Safety After the accident all reactors were shut down and were to be reevaluated for safety violations When reactors were shut down Japanese citizens saw an increase of 18% in energy prices This created a shift in energy distribution, which put a strain of imports of fossil fuel After evaluations nearly all reactors were deemed at some point in violation of safety standards, some even being built in earthquake prone areas

Public scrutiny After the safety policy was published more than 70% of Japanese citizens were in favor of complete dismantling of nuclear reactors By doing this it created a shift for most energy monopolies Although citizens are for reactor shutdowns 48% were angry in energy price hikes Citizens around nuclear facilities have begun protests

Political views Most politicians are for restarting nuclear facilities Prime minister Shinzo Abe is for restarting all reactors that have been deemed safe by the NRA( nuclear regulation authority Most politicians that are for restarting reactors have been documented receiving large campaign donation from energy conglomerates Since politicians are for restarting reactors and citizens aren't, this has caused a rift between Japans government and its citizens Japans freedom ranking has dropped from 22nd to 53rd because of laws and sentencing being pushed out for disagreeing with officials

Economic factors Japan has not had a trade deficit since 1980 Because of the nuclear shutdown Japan had a trade deficit of 2.56 trillion yen in 2011-2012 This was caused by the bump in fossil fuels that were imported due to the shutdown Economists believe that electricity costs will increase by nearly 20% if reactors are not opened Since reactors have shutdown thermal energy(fossil fuels) has increased from 63% to 88% and many believe it will continue to rise Given these factors many believe Japans GDP will further decrease until reactors are reopened Most of Japans energy work has been shipped offshore to China and India due to rising costs

Environmental factors Since the reactors have been down C02 emissions have risen by 6.7% Theorists believe if reactors had stayed online there would have been a decrease of 5.3% Nuclear power accounted for a 14% annual reduction of Japans C02 emission Nuclear power has been proven to help reduce the reliance of fossil fuels which in the end is better for the environment

Conclusion Nuclear power accounted for 30% of Japans energy production Although reactors are proven to be dangerous, the effects they have on the economy and environment have been positive With nuclear power Japan was able to decrease carbon emission by 14% annually which is more than any other country With nuclear power the importing of fossil fuels in Japan dropped by 38% Although one nuclear reactor had a meltdown Japan has 50 other reactors, if they are deemed safe should they be reopened?