Paper
James M. Acton, Ankit Panda
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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.
- Nuclear Weapons and the Future of American Power
- The Latest Iran Deal Ignores the Lessons of the PastCommentary
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
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It seems likely that, no matter what, the power of the U.S. nuclear arsenal will face erosion, not least in the credibility of its commitments to defend allies and the political durability of those alliances.
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President Lee marked his first year in office after one of the most tumultuous periods in South Korean politics. Though Lee has enjoyed a high approval rating, a large majority in the National Assembly, and foreign policy victories, Lee and his party’s political fortunes depend on generating economic growth, learning the right lessons from the recent local elections, and managing contentious factional strife within his political base.
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- The Latest Iran Deal Ignores the Lessons of the PastCommentary
By burying disagreements in imprecision, the new deal risks same fate as its predecessors.
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