The Bright Spots In The News

While the negative news always gets the most attention, several recent news items suggest that opinion on nuclear power is not as bleak as the headlines sometimes suggest . A couple of months ago, the Japan Times conducted a post-Fukushima on line survey, entitled : sticking with nuclear power, solar, geothermal, wind, hydropower, biomass, or a mix of these, but with reduced reliance on nuclear energy. The survey has now closed, but the results are available online. Click HERE.

Have A Speedy Recovery Japan!

Out of the 4149 votes cast, the percentage saying to stick with nuclear power (16%) is actually higher than solar (10%), geothermal (10%), wind (3%), hydro-power (3%), or biomass (1%). The highest response (58%) is for a mix of the above, but with reduced reliance on nuclear energy. In light of the events in Japan this year, I would regard this response as a strong indication that the public recognizes the issues. 

While they are understandably shaky about nuclear power at the moment, they are realistic enough to understand that it needs to be a part of the energy mix for the foreseeable future.

Only The Strong Will Stay. Good Luck Japan!

 Only The Strong Will Stay. Good Luck Japan!

A couple of months ago, the Dalai Lama toured the area of Japan affected by the earthquake and tsunami. To the surprise of many, the Dalai Lama said that nuclear power needed to be considered, (click HERE) in the future. To me, the most important part of his message was that people should look at the issue "holistically". 

“Just to look at it from one side then to make a decision is not right,” he said. He recognized the role of nuclear power in helping address the needs of people in developing countries, and the fact that solar and wind energy are too inefficient to meet these needs. His message was very balanced, as he noted that the nuclear industry needed to look at the potential risks holistically as well.

His Holiness Dalai Lama is welcomed by Tsunami survivors, Fukushima, Japan. Dalai Lama said he is in support of using nuclear energy for peaceful means.

His Holiness Dalai Lama is welcomed by Tsunami survivors, Fukushima, Japan.

Dalai Lama said he is in support of using nuclear energy for peaceful means.

More recently, Britain's Prince Philip has blasted wind farms as fairy tail. (Click HERE). This comment, of course, was not about nuclear power, but about a technology that is often cast as a viable alternative to nuclear energy. While his history of outspoken remarks may make some wonder how seriously his comments will be taken, it was clear that his opinion was based on the need for back-up capacity. I should also note that his remarks were apparently targeted towards land-based wind turbines.

HRH Prince Charles Philip Arthur George Prince of Wales

Even discounting the remarks of Prince Philip--after all, they are at odds with the official policy of the UK government, which has committed to building more wind farms--the news holds a message for me. The positive results of a public opinion survey, even in Japan, and the rational voice of the Dalai Lama, who is often considered a source of moral judgment, suggest to me that there is growing recognition of the continued need for nuclear power.

Now, time for song! I am pleased and proud to share with you guys about this song, "Neutron Doodle" that is available on YouTube. Recently, with the advent of new technology, others have also had the idea that songs and videos can help to spread the message about nuclear power.  This song is the brainchild of Kevin McCoy of Areva and his musical group "Tritium"(Sexy right?). It was the winning song in a contest for  American Nuclear Society (ANS) in 2002. 

Think Nuclear, Think Green.

Regards,

~Nuclear Boy~