- +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
Radiation Concerns Near Fukushima
As power is being restored to the Fukushima nuclear reactors, which were severely damaged by Japan's recent earthquake and tsunami, crucial questions remain about whether the cooling system will be functional and the likelihood of further radiation leaks.
Source: CBS
While conditions have substantially improved at Fukushima’s Daiichi reactors, which were damaged by Japan’s recent earthquake and tsunami, crucial questions and dangers persist. As power is being restored to the nuclear reactors, it remains unclear if the cooling pumps, needed to prevent overheating in the reactor cores, have become unusable. Some have begun arguing that it is time to entomb the reactors in concrete to prevent further radiation leaks, effectively abandoning the reactors, but in an interview with CBS’ Early Show, Carnegie’s James Acton argued that there is still time to stabilize and finish the cooling process. The dangers at the Fukushima plants are serious, but have receded, Acton said, although there is the potential for further degradation of nuclear materials. In particular, reactor unit three has been emitting smoke inexplicably, which is causing increasing concern. Nonetheless, Acton expressed cautious optimistic about progress at the reactor site.
About the Author
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 StrategyOther
- 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
- Revisiting Japan’s Non-Nuclear Principles: Between a Nuclear Allergy and UmbrellaArticle
Japan’s prime minister, Takaichi Sanae, may kickstart a discussion on Japan’s non-nuclear principles.
Shizuka Kuramitsu
- Taking the Pulse: Is France’s New Nuclear Doctrine Ambitious Enough?Commentary
French President Emmanuel Macron has unveiled his country’s new nuclear doctrine. Are the changes he has made enough to reassure France’s European partners in the current geopolitical context?
Rym Momtaz, ed.
- Resetting Cyber Relations with the United StatesArticle
For years, the United States anchored global cyber diplomacy. As Washington rethinks its leadership role, the launch of the UN’s Cyber Global Mechanism may test how allies adjust their engagement.
Patryk Pawlak, Chris Painter
- China’s AI-Empowered Censorship: Strengths and LimitationsArticle
Censorship in China spans the public and private domains and is now enabled by powerful AI systems.
Nathan Law
- Europe on Iran: Gone with the WindCommentary
Europe’s reaction to the war in Iran has been disunited and meek, a far cry from its previously leading role in diplomacy with Tehran. To avoid being condemned to the sidelines while escalation continues, Brussels needs to stand up for international law.
Pierre Vimont