Japan 3.11

Part of the newly mainstream "green" movement, or whatever you'd prefer to call it, is looking at energy alternatives such as wind, solar, and hydro power which we've discussed in class, but there's also nuclear power. While there have been substantial doubts around the world about the benefits of nuclear power since the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, three years ago another disaster caused many nations to rethink nuclear power as a viable energy source. 

On 3.11.11 Japan was hit with a 9.0 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Tohoku, followed by the devastating tsunami, which caused level 7 meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant. This was a triple disaster, the most powerful known earthquake to hit Japan ever. Thousands of lives were lost, displaced, or went missing.

While the global community scrambled to provide relief and support, Fukushima also forced many nations to realize that despite advancements in technology, nuclear power was still not to be taken lightly. In the U.S. particularly, Fukushima spurred the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to re-assess safety planning and requirements for plants. Exelon, the largest nuclear-reactor operator in the U.S., decided to spend up to $500 million upgrading its plants based on lessons learned.

I wanted to write about the anniversary of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami but I don't really know why, or rather how to put it. Growing up I spent a substantial amount of time in Taiwan, another island country in the Pacific Rim with a strong Japanese influence-- it used to be a Japanese colony. My connection to Japan isn't strong on paper, but somehow I've always felt connected. 

As we move forward, let us hope that it doesn't take another disaster to wake the world up.

Resources
Fukushima, 3 Years Later: Disaster Still Lingers - Mashable