Buyer's remorse - Japanese opposition to nuke power stronger [View all]

[kristopher]

Expecting the government to fix a problem that can't be fixed is inevitably going to lead to this type of dissatisfaction. The potential damage from a large scale nuclear accident is not something you deal with after the fact - it can only be prevented. And the only way to prevent it, is to stop using it. Extending the life of existing plants is an open invitation to disaster.

Poll: Japanese opposition to nuke power stronger
By Malcolm Foster Associated Press / June 5, 2012

TOKYO—Japanese oppose nuclear power more strongly than they did while the tsunami-damaged Fukushima plant was still in crisis a year ago, according to a poll that found widespread dismay with the government's handling of that disaster and the ongoing recovery.

The survey released Tuesday by the Washington-based Pew Research Center said 70 percent of Japanese believe the country should reduce its reliance on nuclear energy, up from 44 percent last year.

Before the disaster, Japan relied on nuclear power for about a third of its energy needs. All 50 of Japan's usable nuclear reactors have been shut down as of last month due to routine inspections and safety concerns, straining the country's ability to meet power demands.

The survey found that 80 percent of Japanese are dissatisfied with the government's handling of the nuclear crisis, caused by a massive earthquake and tsunami on March 11 that damaged the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant, which spewed radiation into the surrounding air, soil and water...

http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2012/06/05/poll_japanese_opposition_to_nuke_power_stronger/