Japan disaster sparks green talks

The unfortunate events in Japan have rekindled an old debate regarding which energy technologies the US should be pursuing, says News Leader.

The report asks: “Do we continue using nuclear and non-renewable fossil fuels, or do we once and for all make a determined effort to develop renewable and truly clean technologies such as solar, wind, and geothermal?”

All three of the latter energy sources are inexhaustible, don't contribute to greenhouse gases and global warming, don't contaminate the environment with toxic waste by-products for hundreds of thousands of years, are terrorist proof, and we don't put money in the pockets of some of those who want to kill us.

In agreement, TBO.com writes, before the Japan earthquake and tsunami on 11 March, opinion surveys showed that most people thought nuclear was safe. But as radiation seeps from the stricken Fukushima power plant, the world suddenly seems a very different place.

A blueprint for ending radiation leaks and stabilising reactors at Japan's crippled nuclear plant drew a lacklustre response, as polls showed diminishing public support for the government's handling of the country's recent disasters, reports Business Week.

The plan issued by Tokyo Electric Power over the weekend, in response to a government order, is meant to be a first step towards letting some of the tens of thousands of evacuees from near the company's Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant return to their homes.

Those forced to flee due to radiation leaks after the earthquake and tsunami knocked out the plant's power and cooling systems are frustrated that their exile will not end soon. And officials acknowledge that unforeseen complications, or even another natural disaster, could set that timetable back even further.

“Well, this year is lost,” says Kenji Matsueda, 49, who now lives in an evacuation centre in Fukushima after being forced from his home 20km from the plant. “I have no idea what I will do. Nine months is a long time. And it could be longer. I don't think they really know.”