Tag: Fukushima

Fukushima: Year #1 and Counting…

March 11, 2012 / / 0 Comments

“Fukushima”, it used to be a name of a town in Japan where people once lived and worked.  Now Fukushima is known as the dark triune catastrophe that began  a year ago today with an earthquake, a tsunami, and ultimately a nuclear meltdown.  We covered Fukushima with various angles over this year in World Team Now’s blogs.   As we move towards more light today, we hope to shine more light on a perspective of what happened, the situation now, and bring you possibilities for our future.

On this day of the Fukushima catastrophe, we remember the lives that were lost. In support of the people this ongoing disaster continues to affect with the health challenges, loss of livelihood and displacement of home, wee reach out with love in our hearts, minds and with compassion we offer our prayers of condolence, and in unity we stand.

World Team Now began our coverage of Fukushima with an open letter to President Obama.  A year later we are happy to be participating in a global open letter!  Your comments on our blogs help to build our mutual cause and our global constituencies for our environment and our future. We want to serve all, so please do re-post our blog coverage of Fukushima, or feel free to share these links:

3/25/11 It’s Time to End Reliance on Nuclear Power

4/01/11 Season for Change- Fukushima Nuclear Catastrophe

4/20/11 Earth’s Day? Deep Water Horizon Oil Spill/ Fukushima Nuclear Radiation

5/03/11 Living Terror

5/06/12 Non-sense: the nuclear path

5/16/11 Innovation Takes Flight, Destruction on Heals

5/26/11 New “Sign” of Radiation

6/01/11 Never Ask If It Can Get Worse-Fukushima’s Radiation

6/02/11 Our Ocean, Fun Science- Beyond Radiation

6/16/11 Fukushima’s Radiation-3 Months & Still Counting

2/13/12 2012-A Parable in The Rose…Parade

3/08/12 OPEN LETTER TO WORLD LEADERS CALLS FOR AN END OF THE THREAT OF NUCLEAR POWER

OPEN LETTER TO WORLD LEADERS CALLS FOR AN END OF THE THREAT OF NUCLEAR POWER

March 8, 2012 / / 1 Comment

Open letter to world leaders calls for an end of the threat of nuclear power

This “Open Letter” below was drafted by Green Peace International and was sent to the 300 member organization of the international Tcktcktck global campaign to give to our world leaders. World Team Now is about making team work, so we signed this open letter, along with many global activists, entertainers, peace keepers, and other NGO’s. The common thread is clear when the majority of Non Governmental Organizations (NGO) signatories to this international letter are from Russia, the former Soviet Union, and Korea. World Team Now is a stand for renewable energy, this does not include nuclear energy, and we have made our stand clear over a year ago by signing this national letter to President Obama and this recent international letter for our World Leaders. The ramifications of nuclear power live beyond these divisions of territories and human life — the use of nuclear power is a world issue. World Team Now contributed to Green Peace this summary paragraph:

It’s time to make a change, and World Team Now supports real renewable energy solutions. It is impossible to engineer for a “black swan” (heavy tailed probability distribution) and there is also still the conundrum of radioactive wastes, high risk, and ridiculous expense with nuclear energy. Let’s use our resources to combine the real renewable energy solutions; solar, wind, tidal, heat coolant geothermal together and “teamed up” to help us live in better balance with our resources, for global transformation.

Suzanne Maxx
World Team Now
Founder/President/Chair

Open letter to: World leaders

Subject: The risks of nuclear reactors

7 March 2012

On behalf of the millions of people in the world who live with the threat of a nuclear disaster ruining their lives, we are writing to ask you to recognize that now is the time to put people ahead of the nuclear industry and hold the industry fully liable for the risks and damages of its disasters. It is time to remove the risks of nuclear from people’s lives and shift our economies to clean, safe energy systems.

The earthquake and tsunami that devastated the east coast of Japan almost a year ago exposed the serious failures in the system for regulating nuclear reactors and for protecting people from nuclear accidents.

Tens of thousands died as a result of the destruction of the earthquake and tsunami. Hundreds of thousands continue to suffer from their impacts and also from the nuclear disaster that followed. Our thoughts remain with all those affected by these disasters.

The main lesson from the Fukushima nuclear disaster is that the significant failure of the institutions that were supposed to protect people from such an accident in fact enabled it. Years before the disaster, the risks of earthquakes and tsunamis were well known. Yet, the nuclear industry and its regulators chose to ignore the dangers.

The first to suffer from their negligence were first responders such as plant workers and firefighters who risked their health and even their lives to reduce the radiation risks for others.

Despite their efforts, more than 150,000 people have been forced to leave areas with the highest levels of radiation — losing their homes, communities and livelihoods. Many more still live in contaminated areas including pregnant women and children who are more vulnerable to the effects of radiation exposure.

The overall costs of the Fukushima accident, including compensation and decommissioning the Daiichi plant’s six reactors, have been projected to reach $500 to $650 billion US dollars. Japanese law makes a nuclear operator fully liable for all the costs of a disaster, but in practice the Japanese people will end up paying almost all of the costs out of their taxes, not the nuclear industry.

The mistakes in Japan are repeated in every country in the world with nuclear reactors. No reactor is safe, and no regulatory system ensures safety. Millions of people are at risk, since at any time, any reactor could have a serious accident. Furthermore, even after 60 years of nuclear power, no one in the world can look us in the eye and say that a secure, long-term solution to storing radioactive waste exists. This highly hazardous waste must be stored safely for hundreds of
thousands of years.

The nuclear industry often claims, incorrectly, that nuclear energy is needed to combat climate change. On the contrary, expensive and dangerous nuclear power diverts investment from renewable energy — the real solution to climate change.

Yet, in every country, decision makers and regulators are more concerned about protecting the profits of the nuclear industry than in fulfilling their responsibility to protect people.

It is now time to put people first.

Signed

Kumi Naidoo, ED Greenpeace International
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Laurate, 1984
Josh Karliner, International Team Coordinator, Health Care Without Harm
Joanna Kerr, Chief Executive, Action Aid
Erich Pica, President, Friends of the Earth
Oliver Tickell, Founder, Kyoto2
Helen Kelly, President, Council of Trade Unions, New Zealand
Kjeld Jakobsen, President, Insitituto para o Desenvovvimento da Cooperacao e Relacoes internationais
Ingrid Srinath, Secretary General, CIVICUS
Senator Bob Brown, Leader, Green Party Australia
Richard Harvey, International Human Rights Lawyer
Suzanne Maxx, Founder/President, World Team Now
Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane, President, African Monitor
Kelly Rigg, Founding Director, Varda Group
Rosa Lizarde, Global Coordinator, Feminist Task Force of the Global Call to Action Against Poverty
Senator Doug Cameron, Senator from New South Wales, Labour Party Australia
Ralph Nader, American political activist, author, lecturer, and attorney
Marina Silva, Brazilian environmentalist and politician (running in the 2010 Brazilian elections)
Robert Weissman, President, Public Citizen US-Organisation
John Hall, Former U.S. Congressman
Ed Begley, Jr., Actor/Activist, acting in famous US television series St. Elsewhere
Mike Farrell, Actor/Activist, best known for his role in the television series M*A*S*H (1975–83)
Peter Yarrow, Singer/Activist, part of folk music trio Peter, Paul and Mary
Alek sey Yablokov, Russian United Democratic Party YABLOKO
Askhat Kayumov, Ecological center “Dront”, Russia
Elena Stepanova, Russian Physicians for ecology
Milya Kabirova, Russian Nuclear Victims Organization “AIGUL’
Andrey Laletin, Friends of the Siberian Forests, Russia
Alexey Zimenko, Russian, Biodiversity Conservation Center
Natalia Mironova, Russian Movement for Nuclear Safety and Institute of Public Policy and Law, Russia
Andrey Talevlin, Russian Fund for Nature
Feodor Kronikovsky, Russian Ecological group “Taiga”
Boris Rezhabek, North-Caucasian Department of International Ecological Fund and Institute
Noosperical Research and Investigation, Russia
Mikhail Piskunov, Russian Center for Assistance to Citizen Initiatives
Aleksandr Zaytsev, Murmansk regional public organization “Kola Environmental Centre”, Russia
Nikolai Zubov, Krasnoyarsk regional public organization «Krasnoyarsk Regional Ecological Union», Russia
Alexey Toropov, Siberian Ecological Agency, Russia
Ms. Young-sun JI, Co-representative, Korea Federation of Environmental Movement (KFEM)
Mr. Nam Boo-Won, National General Secretary, YMCA of Korea
Ms. Mee-Jung Nam/Ms. Young-Sook Park, Co-representatives, Korean Women’s Environmental Network
Father Hong-Pyo Park, Chairman, No Nukes Samchuck Coalition, Korea
Prof. Ik-Jung Kim, Chairman, Gyung Ju Branch of Korea Federation of Environmental Movement, Korea
Dr. Byungok Ahn, Head, Institute for Climate Change Action, Korea
Ms. Younghee Kim, Representative Lawyer, Lawyers Association for Nuke-free Korea
Dr. Do-Myung Paek, Chairman, Korean Doctors Association for Nuke-free society, Korea
Prof. Moo-Young Choi, Co-Chairman, Korean Professors Association for Nuke-free and Energy, Korea
Mr. Anselmo Lee, Managin-Director, Korea Human Rights Foundation, Korea

Father Kyu-hyun Mun, Director, Majungmool for Life & Peace, Korea
Ms. Sohee Im, Secretary General, Naummmunhwa Global Peace Activities, Korea
Mr. Heon-Seok Lee, Representative, Energy Justice Actions, Korea
Mr. Jin-Young Jeong, Chairman, Korean Teacher’s Organization for Ecological Education and Activity, Korea
Mr. Yong-Hwi Kim, Secretary General, Cheondogyo Hanwool-Yeondae, Korea
Mr. Seung-Jo Roh, Representative, Climate & Energy Center, Korea
Mr. Kwang-soo Choi, Representative, Ecobuddha, Korea
Adenex, José María González/President, Spanish environmental NGO
Ecologistas en Acción, Francisco Segura/ Coordinator ,Spanish environmental NGO
Bonnie Raitt

#Solar Impulse in flight demonstrates innovation and what is possible with renewable energy.

Fukushima’s Radiation-3 Months & Still Counting

June 16, 2011 / / 1 Comment

"Solar Impulse" Soaring Innovation with Renewable Energy

If you continue to read about the dark reality of the situation of Fukushima, at least make it to the end of the post to focus on something positive, that gives hope, like the solar airplane; Solar Impulse in flight.  Who would have ever thought it was possible?

Fukushima still continues to spew radiation; this is projected to be ongoing for at least another year before the water temperatures drop below boiling since it is now confirmed that at three of the reactors had “meltdowns”. More about the situation continues to be revealed. TEPCO has re-calculated the amount of initial radiation released in the first week of Fukushima.  As a result there is serious concern about the effect of “Hot particles,” also known as “Fuel fleas” to human health. Hot particles when ingested through food we eat, breathed in, or drank through water/milk, or on skin; cause cancer. Watch Fairwinds Arnie Gunderson’s video on “Hot Particles” to better understand what hot particles are, and how they may affect us. Click here to see the interview by CNN’s John King about the re-calculation of radiation released.   Parents are concerned the amount of radiation their children are receiving as far away as Tokyo. Evidence of the Fukushima radiation (which may include hot particles) is found predominantly throughout Japan, but also around the world including Hawaii, along the West Coast  in 13 cities in the USA, and  Ireland.

Remains of building #4 reactor and radioactive storage pool that holds spent nuclear fuel photo released by TEPCO

There is the question of the #4 fuel pool’s storage instability, this is a critical situation with the looming threat of the pool’s structural integrity in addition to keeping the rods from overheating without a cooling system. Work was done to re-enforce the troubled fuel pool which is elevated several floors above the ground level in what remains of the building (see video from a month ago).  Plutonium discovered outside Fukushima does not ease the severity of the situation. The radiation from Fukushima continues to stream at high levels into the air, water, and earth.  Disposal of radioactive water will continue to be an issue, and radioactive sewage is now a reality too. Not only are the lungs of people in danger but also radiation is affecting the lungs of our planet flora and fauna.

It is out of the ordinary in the Japanese culture to protest, but this past weekend was the three months from the date it all began, March 11th and people had enough, so they took to the streets in protest of nuclear power. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-I3Sz49j0U&feature=player_detailpage]Fukushima protests have gone as far as Germany too.   People shouted “Fukushima Warned”—pull the plug on all nuclear power plants,” and they also yelled “Fukushima, Chernobyl, too much is too much!”  German’s protests where the largest anti-nuclear protest in history with tens of thousands of people. Riot control is now in force for the upcoming annual TEPCO board meeting, June 28th .

TEPCO’s situation remains a challenge (see daily status). Fukushima did not happen without warning.  Japan’s rolling blackouts does affect the economy. Decisions made during the crisis created suspicion and mistrust within the Japanese Government itself and between the USA and Japan and remains precarious on all fronts. Adult suicide rates have grown and nearby school children will begin to wear a dosimeter at all times to accurately measure the amount of radiation they receive. Dosimeters will be for children 4-15 yrs. old and under 3yrs. at the parents’ request to help measure monthly radiation exposure.  But the program will not begin until September, and cannot measure hot particles ingested.

It has been suggested that Fukushima be a repository for nuclear waste, even though it is on the “ring of fire”—a study is being done now to consider making this site a permanent graveyard a nuclear repository.

Governments from 30 nuclear countries called for stress tests after Fukushima and international nuclear policy is being discussed. Japan admits to being unprepared for a nuclear disaster even though they were warned—whether that is even possible to prepare for a nuclear disaster, when there is so many potentially fatal factors, is now being rightfully questioned.  Many countries are willing to learn from Japan’s experience as people all around the world are standing up to their governments and saying “no more nukes”.  Italy’s funny and creative video campaign “Freedom of Choice” brought people out to vote on nuclear power. Italy now joins Switzerland, Germany, and voted in a referendum on Monday against the use of nuclear power.

As nuclear power becomes less of an option it affects the controversial uranium minihttp://resourcetelevision.tumblr.com/post/6249855066/remember-fukushima-3-months-ago-a-disaster-likeng in Australia and the USA’s Grand Canyon where companies have applied for a license to begin mining, as well as in other parts of the world where uranium mining exists now.

France who has been the global leader in nuclear energy is now being pressured by the people to reconsider this source of energy too. The big question remains with USA and China, as both continue to hold up the issues of global importance now, as they are doing in Bonn, Germany on the road to Rio+20.

Right now, in the USA,  the decision to extend a nuclear power plant’s license lives at the Federal Government level and each state government, like it or not, now has to accept the federal decision made on their behalf—but that may soon change. State vs. federal is going at it, for example, in Vermont and Massachusetts where they have started to fight this battle in court to take back their power. As a result, Vermont Yankee may have their recent nuclear plant operation renewal revoked, as it is highly controversial that it was even extended.   It is one of the oldest reactors and has the same reactor model as Fukushima, and has been cited for safety failures numerous times. The operating company, Entergy (a large contributor to President Obama’s campaign), is now in a lawsuit with the state of Vermont; this may get more interesting. Massachusetts is filling suit too, and brings to question whether California and New York will take action next and what the USA & China will do regarding this so-called “nuclear renaissance”. There is concern that no entity will be able to prepare for the terrorist threat involving nuclear plants .

We need an international framework and policy structured for nuclear as well as other environmental catastrophes, and mechanisms to approach them when they affect the entire world. This is idealistic but in times like this, we need a little idealism.

Embracing the reality of this entire nuclear situation is not easy.   A reminder to consider the bigger perspective—read “Energy and the Future of our Earth” here.

"Liquid Solar Robot" on mission to collect data

Let’s focus on hope by trying to find something positive like this new helpful technology “Liquid Robots” that may help monitor the oceans’ with their solar powered ocean robots that could accurately measure contaminates.  Or remember the Solar Eagle aerial art we made last year as to raise awareness of the U.N. Climate Conference in Cancun.  Let’s think about the Solar Impulse that actually took flight again and landed yesterday in Paris! World Team Now is focused on renewable energy,  and finding  innovative solutions. It takes a team and we need all the help we can get, so please join us!  We appreciate the support and welcome your comments.

Local event to raise awareness during global catastrophy

Earth’s Day? Deep Water Horizon Oil Spill/ Fukushima Nuclear Radiation

April 20, 2011 / / 2 Comments

 It’s Earth Month (EPA’s is celebrating) and this Friday, April 22nd is Earth Day.  At the one year mark of the Deep Water Horizon  Oil Spill –I remember the grief process that caused devastation, the loss of our resources, the harm done to the ocean, the air, the  biodiversity and all of us in the surrounding habitat. Last year I became inactive and silent.  This year, we hadn’t yet recovered when three more disasters in Japan have left radiation spreading from Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant. I have taken baby steps this time, to write this blog, to join Facebook and Twittter and producing a small  local event; please join us.  Please share this link!  http://www.worldteamnow.org/energy-future-earth.html   

Local Event to Raise Awareness during Global Catastrophy

It is for the article on “Energy and Our Future with Earth” click here.  

When you view the first images of the Fukushima nuclear power plant’s explosion of the Japanese coverage  or the German coverage, it is understandable why it did not get wide visibility in traditional media outlets, as it would have cause public panic. How many people realize that these explosions at the nuclear power plant included the classic mushroom cloud?  It is also important for us to have the courage to look at the reality of the tragic situation, authentically with courage.  If the dark part of humanity can be embraced we have a chance at moving on to the Light.  This process is a path to true lasting change, looking deeply inside ourselves and within our world, and asking; “Is this what I choose?”

What is surprising is that I have heard this response when Fukushima is mentioned, “I thought that was done?”  No, like the Deep Horizon Water Oil Spill we really all need to watch this situation closely as it affects that status of not only Japan as a country but all of homes, the earth.

The story through videos;

Live coverage of Tsunami arising http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qk1ESJ78zWs&feature=related

Live coverage of Tsunami hitting Sendai CNN http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rj-8Lhgv3nk

The crippling first images of Fukushima nuclear power plant’s destruction

Mushroom Cloud Reactor #3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsJT88jX2SA&feature=related

The explanation of what happened at the nuclear power plant CNN http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdbitRlbLDc&feature=player_embedded

The present situation thoroughly explained from a scientific perspective by nuclear expert Arnold Gunderson. We recommend viewing the past entries too, for a detailed understanding of what is happening see these sites.

Lewis Arms Control

GRS.de

Japan Atomic Industrial Forum

Tokyo Electric Power Company Tepco.co.jp


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