1. Japan and the nuclear question
Ryan Yates

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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
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

8. 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

9. 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?