The Intelligence from The Economist Nuclear inaction: the legacy of Fukushima
Mar 11, 2021
Noah Snyder, the Tokyo bureau chief for The Economist, shares insights on the ongoing challenges of rebuilding trust in the wake of the Fukushima disaster, emphasizing the hurdles faced by the nuclear industry. Tom Wainwright discusses the future of the Murdoch media empire as Rupert Murdoch turns 90, while Will Caldwell dives into the life of Victorian strongman Eugene Sandow, heralded as the first fitness influencer. Their conversation reveals how past events continue to shape public perception and influence contemporary issues in energy and media.
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Post-Tsunami Devastation
- Kenneth Kukie, Japan correspondent, describes driving through deserted areas after the 2011 tsunami.
- He saw debris from the city transported kilometers inland, creating a scene reminiscent of Hiroshima.
Psychological Impact of 3/11
- The 2011 tsunami left a profound impact on the Japanese psyche, evoking images of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
- This is because an entire generation grew up with those devastating images.
Fukushima Cleanup Challenges
- The Fukushima cleanup involves decommissioning reactors, a process estimated to take 30-40 years.
- A major challenge is handling contaminated cooling water, with plans to release it into the ocean facing opposition from fishermen and farmers.