Nuclear Aftershocks (full documentary) | FRONTLINE

Recent questions

• What are the safety concerns at Indian Point nuclear plant?

  Safety concerns at Indian Point include outdated technology, unresolved safety issues post-Fukushima, and inadequate evacuation plans. Experts like David Lochbaum from the Union of Concerned Scientists have highlighted the need to address these safety issues to prevent potential disasters. The plant's location in New York City raises concerns about the risks associated with a nuclear disaster in a densely populated area. The debate over Indian Point revolves around balancing the need for energy in the city with the safety risks posed by the plant's operations.

• How did the Fukushima disaster impact public opinion?

  The Fukushima disaster in Japan, triggered by an earthquake and tsunami, shifted public opinion against nuclear power in Japan and Germany. The lack of preparedness and safety measures at the Fukushima plant exposed the risks associated with nuclear energy. The public's fears of radiation exposure and health effects post-Fukushima led to evacuations and concerns about the safety of nuclear power plants. This shift in public opinion resulted in policy changes, with Germany planning to shut down all its reactors and invest heavily in renewables like wind and solar energy.

• Why is nuclear power considered essential for reducing carbon emissions?

  Nuclear power is considered essential for reducing carbon emissions because it provides baseload power capabilities that renewables like wind and solar energy currently lack. Climate scientists like NASA's James Hansen emphasize the necessity of nuclear power to meet energy needs sustainably and combat climate change. While renewables are crucial for a clean energy future, nuclear energy serves as a bridge to make renewables competitive and reduce reliance on fossil fuels like coal. Countries like China are advancing in nuclear energy to reduce carbon emissions and meet growing energy demands.

• What challenges does the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission face?

  The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission faces challenges in ensuring safety at nuclear power plants, especially concerning preparedness for natural disasters like earthquakes. Concerns have been raised about the NRC's history of inaction on safety issues, such as fire protection, at plants like Browns Ferry in Alabama. The contentious license renewal of plants like Indian Point highlights the need for stringent safety regulations and oversight by the NRC to prevent potential disasters. The future of nuclear power in the United States remains uncertain due to the retirement of old plants and the lack of new reactors being built.

• How did the Jogan event impact safety measures at Fukushima?

  The Jogan event, a tsunami in 869 that killed over 1,000 people in Tagajo, had a significant impact on safety measures at Fukushima. Geologist Koji Minoura discovered geological evidence of the tsunami reaching two-and-a-half miles inland in 869, indicating the potential for giant tsunamis every thousand years. Despite prior knowledge of the 869 tsunami, TEPCO failed to consider it in Fukushima's safety measures, leading to the disaster. Suggestions for improving safety at Fukushima included elevating emergency diesel generators and waterproofing batteries to prevent core meltdowns. The Fukushima disaster highlighted the importance of proper design and preparation in ensuring the safety of nuclear power plants.