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    "James M. Acton"
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Source: Getty

In The Media

How Bad is Japan's Latest Nuclear Setback?

The situation at Japan’s damaged nuclear plants in Fukushima remains volatile and dangerous, as workers struggle to control radiation leaking from the reactors and cool the nuclear cores.

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By James M. Acton
Published on Mar 25, 2011
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Nuclear Policy

The Nuclear Policy Program aims to reduce the risk of nuclear war. Our experts diagnose acute risks stemming from technical and geopolitical developments, generate pragmatic solutions, and use our global network to advance risk-reduction policies. Our work covers deterrence, disarmament, arms control, nonproliferation, and nuclear energy.

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Source: MSNBC

Speaking on MSNBC’s Hardball with Chris Matthews, Carnegie’s James Acton explained that Japan is still facing a “volatile and dangerous situation” with its nuclear reactors in Fukushima, damaged by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami. The Japanese government has advised residents within 19 miles of the damaged reactors to evacuate, but Acton explained that with over 500,000 people already displaced by the earthquake and tsunami, new evacuees do not have good options if they choose to leave their homes.

Overall, Acton explained, the situation at Japan’s nuclear plants remains extremely fluid and could change on a day by day basis.  The crisis, he warned, could be resolved in days or it could drag on for weeks.
 

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.

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James M. Acton
Jessica T. Mathews Chair, Co-director, Nuclear Policy Program
James M. Acton
Nuclear PolicyNuclear EnergyEast AsiaJapan

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.

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