Other
- +18
James M. Acton, Saskia Brechenmacher, Cecily Brewer, …
{
"authors": [
"James M. Acton"
],
"type": "legacyinthemedia",
"centerAffiliationAll": "dc",
"centers": [
"Carnegie Endowment for International Peace"
],
"collections": [],
"englishNewsletterAll": "ctw",
"nonEnglishNewsletterAll": "",
"primaryCenter": "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
"programAffiliation": "NPP",
"programs": [
"Nuclear Policy"
],
"projects": [],
"regions": [
"East Asia",
"Japan"
],
"topics": [
"Nuclear Policy",
"Nuclear Energy"
]
}
Source: Getty
In The Media
Radiation Leak Fears Rise in Japan
While it is becoming increasingly difficult for the Japanese to contain the smaller amounts of radiation escaping from the nuclear energy plants damaged by the earthquake and tsunami, a catastrophic release of radiation remains extremely unlikely.
Published on Mar 15, 2011
Source: CBS
Speaking on CBS’ The Early Show, Carnegie's James Acton addressed the situation in Japanese nuclear reactors damaged by the recent earthquake and tsunami. He acknowledged that the past 24 hours have been particularly bad. Ways for radiation to leak out into the environment have increased following the explosion within the containment building surrounding unit 2 of the plant. Similarly, the fact that spent fuel rods have caught fire also increases the opportunity for radiation to leak.
Acton stated that a catastrophic release of radiation, similar to the tragedy at Chernobyl, is extremely unlikely. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to contain the smaller releases of radiation that are occurring, which are still quite serious.
Ultimately, Acton said, there are no good solutions to the situation currently facing the Japanese government. They are facing extraordinary challenges trying to respond to the earthquake, the tsunami, and the problems in nuclear energy plants.
About the Author
James M. Acton
Jessica T. Mathews Chair, Co-director, Nuclear Policy Program
Acton holds the Jessica T. Mathews Chair and is co-director of the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
- Unpacking Trump’s National Security Strategy
- Trump Has an Out on Nuclear Testing. He Should Take It.Commentary
James M. Acton
Recent Work
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
More Work from Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
- Leveraging Internal Security Cooperation with Vietnam Offers a Glimpse of Future Chinese Diplomacy with Southeast AsiaArticle
Despite long-standing differences, China and Vietnam are reinforcing common ground for collaboration, especially in public security. This internal security–centered diplomacy offers a strengthened road map for how China moves forward with Southeast Asia.
Sophie Zhuang
- Digital Hegemony and the Reification of Taiwan’s “Unification-Independence” DichotomyArticle
Governments now deploy online platforms to shape public opinion and influence collective cognition. This is acutely apparent between China and Taiwan.
Frank Cheng-Shan Liu
- China’s Energy Security Doesn’t Run Through Hormuz but Through the Electrification of EverythingCommentary
Across Asia, China is better positioned to withstand energy shocks from the fallout of the Iran war. Its abundant coal capacity can ensure stability in the near term. Yet at the same time, the country’s energy transition away from coal will make it even less vulnerable during the next shock.
Damien Ma
- In Its Iran War Debate, Washington Has Lost the Plot in AsiaCommentary
The United States ignores the region’s lived experience—and the tough political and social trade-offs the war has produced—at its peril.
Evan A. Feigenbaum
- Japan’s Security Policy Is Still Caught Between the Alliance and Domestic RealityArticle
Japan’s response to U.S. pressure over Hormuz highlights a broader dilemma: How to preserve the alliance while remaining bound by legal limits, public opinion, and an Asia-centered security agenda. Tokyo gained diplomatic space through an alliance-embracing strategy, but only under conditions that may not endure.
Ryo Sahashi
