Other
- +18
James M. Acton, Saskia Brechenmacher, Cecily Brewer, …
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"James M. Acton"
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"Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
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"primaryCenter": "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
"programAffiliation": "NPP",
"programs": [
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"topics": [
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Source: Getty
In The Media
Nuclear Plant Fears in Japan
If nuclear plants damaged in Japan's recent earthquake cannot be cooled and their cores begin to melt, it could potentially cause one of the most serious nuclear accidents in history.
Published on Mar 11, 2011
Source: Fox News
While any release of radiation into the environment is dangerous, Carnegie's James Acton, speaking on Fox News, said that if the leak in Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant and other plants do not get any worse, there is unlikely to be any serious repercussions for the local people or environment. However, Acton warns, if the cooling systems do not succeed in bringing down temperatures, the nuclear fuel could start to melt, causing a major nuclear accident.
Acton described how a series of accidents of the earthquake have created radiation leaks. Describing the worst case scenario, Acton warned that if the cooling pumps cannot be powered, the steam coming from water intended to cool the nuclear core could become highly radioactive, with severe consequences.
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 Europe
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France has stopped clinging to notions of being a great power and is embracing the middle power moment. But Emmanuel Macron has his work cut out if he is to secure his country’s global standing before his term in office ends.
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The debate on the future of European deterrence has intensified, as NATO allies seek to balance three key aims. Going forward, they will need to cooperate more deeply to craft a coherent strategy for confronting new threats.
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- The Small Window for an EU-U.S. Diplomatic Push on IranCommentary
To turn U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear program into a long-term resolution, Washington should seize the moment and cooperate with France, Germany, and the UK on diplomatic talks.
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