Earth Equity News

Japan Presses Ahead with Nuclear Power Despite Concerns over Earthquakes. By Jonathan Adams, CSMonitor, March 1, 2010. "Japan is pressing ahead with an expansion of nuclear power, despite public unease and vocal opposition from activists... Japan's debate closely mirrors those worldwide, as governments highlight nuclear power as an easier way to cut carbon emissions than boosting wind and solar power... Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has pledged to cut Japan's carbon emissions to 75% of 1990 levels by 2020, if other major economies set similar targets. His government recently backed a plan for low-interest loans for new nuclear reactors... 'If we want to do this 25% reduction, obviously we need more nuclear plants,' says Shunsuke Kondo, chairman of Japan's Atomic Energy Commission. But the public isn't entirely convinced. According to the Japanese cabinet's own poll last November, 54% say they feel anxious or uneasy about nuclear power, with the top concern being the risk of an accident. 42% said they feel 'safe' about nuclear power. Meanwhile, activists criticize Japan's nuclear program as dangerous, expensive, and impractical. One concern is Japan's earthquake-prone geology, which they cite in raising the specter of a quake-induced Chernobyl. Just on Saturday, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake hit off Japan's southern coast, shaking Okinawa and nearby islands and rupturing water pipes."