...Fukushima Radiation Causes Growing National Concern: Time for New EPA Policy Eric Zoppi 3279672 2 December 2013 On March 11th, 2011 the Tōhoku earthquake and the resulting tsunami wreaked havoc upon Japan. Unfortunately, this natural disaster resulted in the largest nuclear disaster since Chernobyl, as the tsunami crippled the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. Following this severe breach in security, numerous radioactive isotopes and radioactive particles were released into the environment, specifically the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding air/atmosphere, thus contaminating groundwater, soil and seawater, as well as effectively shutting down a myriad of Japanese fisheries. The ocean and air mainly came in contact with high levels of Iodine-131, Cesium-137, and Cesium-134, as well as lower levels of Tellurium, Uranium, and Strontium, which were concentrated closer to the surrounding area of the nuclear power plant. However, the impact that these radioactive materials will have upon the United States, in particular, has caused quite the national controversy. Despite heavy national acceptance of the occurrence of the disaster, two popular and opposing hypotheses have formed as a result of the Media’s lack of focus on recent analyses of the impending effects of Fukushima Disaster upon the U.S.: (1) the radioactive material that leaked as a result of the TEPCO nuclear power plant failure will not have a drastic, threatening...
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...Final Paper PBHE540 The Fukushima Nuclear Disaster Name American Public University System Abstract On March 11, 2011, a large earthquake and a powerful tsunami struck the eastern region of Japan, leading to a death toll of more than 15,700 people. Thousands more were injured or went missing, and widespread destruction ensued. Additionally, the Great East Japan Disaster fatally damaged the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power station. It eradicated all power, severely affected communications, and caused a loss of cooling to some vital reactor cores. Significant quantities of radioactive materials were released, an isolated “no mans land” was created around the crippled reactors, and thousands of people had to be evacuated from the surrounding area. With concern of radiological emergency management, medicine development, and healthcare implementation, it is important to assess this disaster with intention of learning better methods of execution to apply in future scenarios. The purpose of this assessment is to summarize, observe, and evaluate the emergency responses implemented as a result of the disaster, specifically focusing on the chronology of healthcare implementation, and the many long-term challenges associated with this tragic event. In preparing for the challenges of tomorrow, it is critically important that adaptations are made in lieu of such tragedies, and newer, more advanced understandings of these issues are brought into fruition...
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...With the advanced technologies of the 20th Century came nuclear power and a host of powerful weapons, but also a promising alternative to fossil fuels for the new age of energy demands. In Jeff Goodell’s article, “America’s Nuclear Nightmare”, the topic of injustice for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and its affiliates is raised. We live in a society where more people are needed to be aware of preventable catastrophes, which is the matter that Goodell brings up. The injustice I refer to is that of the NRC’s negligence to comply with proper safety protocol and renovation to addressing the serious domestic threat of aging nuclear reactors. Since its inception, the NRC has pushed nuclear power to the people, but has since let its duty to the public fail the test of moral obligation. Skirting safety investigations and legitimate refitting of old nukes, the NRC and the industry it puppeteers could end up with a nuclear meltdown on its hands. The cost for such inaction may very well include billions of taxpayer dollars in cleanup and aid, and the untold millions of displaced or irradiated civilians. Though Goodell’s article does address the possibility of imminent risk taken by the nuclear industry, he falls short in conveying the sense of urgency that is needed in order to effect change for America’s nuclear industry, ultimately making his article more PAST than CUSP. My analysis and research will fill in the gaps of forensic evidence and touch on the due deliberation by improving...
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...Nuclear phase out On March 11th the most fatal earthquake in Japan’s history hit the country followed by a devastating Tsunami. Besides the immediate destruction caused by those natural disasters they triggered a fatal chain reaction leading to a partial meltdown (a complete meltdown was not confirmed so far but is not unlikely) in three reactors of the nuclear power plant Fukushima Daiichi. In Germany those events have caused a new uprising of the anti-nuclear-movement. Most people in Germany are in favour of a quick nuclear phase-out and the big political parties have very quickly adapted this opinion. The big question remaining is how to handle a project of such a huge size without causing financial, climate related or other threats. In the following work the current situation will be analysed and viewed as a change process containing the following steps: • • • • • • • • Step 1: Create a sense of urgency Step 2: Form a powerful coalition Step 3: Create a vision for change Step 4: Communicate the vision Step 5: Remove obstacles Step 6: Create short-term wins Step 7: Extending the success Step 8: Anchor new approaches Step 1: Create a Sense of Urgency First of all the awareness of a need for change should be created, increased and communicated. “With this shift, urgency will move from being an important issue every few years to being a powerful asset all the time.”1 In the history and the development of nuclear power and the nuclear power plants there have been many different...
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...Go… Nuclear? What does the term “nuclear” mean to modern society? Is it a clean, efficient production of energy, or is it a mushroom cloud of death and devastation? Growing up only thirty miles from Entergy’s River Bend Nuclear Power Plant and Waterford Nuclear Power Plant, I have heard many different opinions on the topic of nuclear energy. In the last twenty years, the Federal Government has focused on going “green”, to lessen the amount and effects of carbon dioxide emissions. Currently, there are very few options on where we get our power. However, one of these sources is from nuclear power. These words cause many to tremble in fear. Some believe that nuclear power is the most effective way to produce energy. However, just because something is effective, doesn’t necessarily mean that it is worth the risk. This point has raised many questions around the world about whether or not nuclear power is the best source of alternative energy. I have had fears of something happening at River Bend. I have wondered if one day I would have to abandon my home to escape the effects of radiation. I have also wondered if these fears are due to the lack of knowledge that I have on the subject of nuclear power and if nuclear power truly is a safe source of energy. Safety is not the only concern some have when considering nuclear power in the United States. The cost to build a nuclear power plant today is unknown. With that being said, financing a new plant is very difficult...
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...Germany has decided to phase out its all the nuclear plants by 2022. This decision, prompted by Japan’s Fukushima nuclear disaster, will make Germany the first major industrialized nation to go nuclear-free. Germany (Europe’s largest economy) is determined to replace its nuclear power with renewable energy resources. . Swiss parliament has approved amendments to tax treaties with other countries, including India. This makes easier access for India, to collect information about the illegal funds held by the Indian nationals in Swiss private banks. The Swiss parliament endorsed amendments to double-taxation agreements (DTAAs) in line with internationally applicable standards. The beneficiaries from the new amendments include India, Germany, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, Greece, Turkey, Uruguay, Kazakhstan, and Poland. French Nationals to Sue Sarkozy over Crimes in Libya Two French lawyers have said that they are planning to sue French President Nicolas Sarkozy against the Humanity crimes over the military campaign in Libya that was led by NATO. Jacques Verges and Roland Dumas two of the French lawyers have decided to represent the families of the victims during the military campaign. Constitution (15th Amendment) Bill, 2011 passed in Bangladesh The Parliament of Bangladesh, the Jatiyo Sangsad, passed the Constitution (15th Amendment) Bill, 2011 on 30 June 2011 to amend its constitution under which the caretaker government system for holding general elections was scrapped...
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...High Risk – Low Return: The case against uranium mining in Queensland Australian Conservation Foundation Australian Manufacturing Workers Union Electrical Trades Union Friends of the Earth North Queensland Conservation Council Queensland Conservation Council Queensland Nuclear Free Alliance The Wilderness Society Cover picture: Mine tailings dam failure at Merriespruit, South Africa gold mine. On the day of the failure 50mm of rain fell in 30 minutes, comparable to flooding rain quantities in Qld in recent summers (source: tailings.info) High Risk – Low Return: The case against uranium mining in Queensland 1. Overview 2. Overstated economic potential 3. Environmental Impacts 4. Radiation and Health 5. Uranium and Indigenous Communities 6. Inadequate Regulation 6.1 Unresolved regulatory and operational issues 7. Beyond mining 7.1 Transportation 7.2 The myth of the peaceful atom: Weapons Proliferation 7.3 The myth of clean energy from nuclear power 7.4 A positive way forward for Queensland 8. Conclusions This report was prepared under the joint auspices of the unions and environmental and social justice groups listed on the cover. March 2013. Authors: R. Taubenfeld, D. Sweeney, J. Green High Risk – Low Return: The case against uranium mining in Queensland In October 2012 the LNP government broke its clear commitment not to allow uranium mining in Queensland. This commitment was the position of the LNP at the March 2012 state election and was reaffirmed...
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...In today's fast paced society we as Americans rely on transportation and communication to support our personal needs, families and careers. For example, transportation, telecommunications, electricity, and manufacturing. Although these vehicles cannot be useful to society unless they're fueled and maintained by other resources such as crude oils, natural gas, coal, renewables, and uranium (nuclear). One area in particular I want to touch on is the creation of electricity. Therefore for the purpose of this paper I will discuss the advantages, and disadvantages of the resources required to produce electricity, their lifecycles, and economy and trade. Power generation is a viable source of producing electricity, and the fuel to support it. For example: Crude Oil - A small percentage of this resource is used in power generation as compared to other sources . Crude oil is pumped from underground reservoirs by drilling rigs, and refined . After the refining process its then transported by ships, pipelines, trucks, or trains for consumption or storage at chosen power plants. At the power plant the crude oil is used in different ways for fuel; such as burning the oils and using combined cycle technologies to produce steam which moves the turbines within the plant. Combined cycle technology is the most efficient way to burn oil at the power plant. The use of crude in power generation does not come free, and it must be purchased in the commodities market at the...
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...Japan had to stop operations after the Tsunami washed away port facilities, leaving the area in tatters. Ports such as Hachinohe, Ishinomaki and Onahama were severely damaged and it would take months before operations can resume. It will take some time for Japan to rebuild itself as this is the worst disaster to hit the country since the Hiroshima/Nagasaki nuclear bombing during the World War 2. 1.2 Objectives of Project The team will be doing a research and critical analysis on how the crisis has affected Japan’s economy and how the revival of Japan will benefit the shipping economy. The areas of focus will be on the economic impacts of the various shipping markets and other factors contributing to the crisis and forecasting the future outcome in the shipping industry. We intend to go beyond the surface and dig deep into the crisis to fully understand how dealing with a crisis really works. This includes looking at past records as well as analyzing the situation in a chronological pattern – 1) Before the crisis, 2) During the crisis and 3) After the crisis. 1.3 Methodology and Scope To assist the team’s research, information will be sourced out from newspaper articles, books and internet websites. Interviews will be conducted with companies on how the disaster has affected the industry and what are the possible ways to overcome it. 2. Japan 2.1...
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...Nuclear Energy: The best help we have with the energy crisis An Ho Brigham Young University Abstract We are facing many problems in today’s world, like: starvations in Africa, the natural resources are running out, or terrorism and genocides in Africa… But in this paper, the topic will be about the energy crisis that we are facing, which I think is affecting other problems as well. In fact, according to the newest prediction of the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the electricity demand in the United States will increase about 28 percent by 2035; and the world demand for electricity will increase 2.3 percent each year until 2035( EIA, 2011). If we keep producing energy like we are doing now, burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, we would face tremendous problems. Not just the resources might run out, but we would also face pollution, and green-house effects. Failure to develop a new technology that would produce enough clean power, would be devastating result. So when we are trying to find a new technology, why don’t we use a way we already have? I propose nuclear energy, because it will produce clean energy, and it also is more effective than wind or solar power. This is an interesting introduction TO your paper, but it needs to be a summary OF your paper. Nuclear Energy: The best help we have with the energy crisis You need an introduction with a thesis. Power plants are releasing carbon dioxide into the air. According to the Environmental...
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...To what extent has China and India effected Japan`s economy between the years of 2009 -2014? Mejia Restoration. In ancient Japan the Tokugwa Period, commonly known as the Edo Period occurred between1603-1863. During this time economic and political stability was maintained in the country under the rule of the Shogunate (1). The Shogunate refers to a military style dictatorship, in which the Emperor granted high ranking military commanders the ability to control and wield power over Japan. The Tokugawa era, were considered to be the last of the shogun period in Japan To create social stability in Japan, the Shogun implemented a systematic plan, which separated the four main classes. Namely: The samurai (warriors) at the top, followed by farmers, artisans, and lastly peasants. The Shoguns were considered to be the bureaucrats of the country. In comparison the peasant class accounted for 80 % Japan’s population were restricted to engaging activities that were associated with agricultural and farming. The reason for this is that the Shogun wanted to ensure that those with authority and power were able to generate a stable source of income from their land, while leaving the peasants with little to survive on. The political stability of the Tokugawa period was under threat due to the colonial expansions of countries such as Portugal and Spain into Asia, via catholic missionaries (1). The reason why the Towkugwa Shogun`s feared catholic missionaries, was that they believe...
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...policy due to which there is no measures taken on to control the fluctuations. Japan experienced magnificent growth through the 60's, 70's, and 80's leading into the 90's beginning. In the late 1990's, Japan’s economy marked its growth significantly slower, which had then come to be known as the 'lost decade' due to Japanese Asset Price bubble that collapsed. Eventually the nation faced major issues regarding environmental disasters, hollowing out of industries, etc. The past events which have caused the rise and downfall of Japanese Yen has been illustrated for examining the causes of the appreciation and depreciation of this currency. The influence of this floating currency on Japan's economy has been depicted in this case study. This paper also provides some applications of the measures that can maintain the stability of the Japanese Yen. Japan experienced tremendous growth throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s leading into the leading into the early 1990s. After World War II, Japan underwent a period of restoration followed by the events in 1978 where Japan excelled as a manufacturer partnering with the United States which helped to make its economy world's second largest economy until 2010, where it was surpassed by China, moving Japan to the world's third position. Japan’s economy saw growth slow significantly in the late 1990s which came to be known as the 'lost decade' due to the Japanese Asset Price Bubble collapse. This phase saw Japan run massive budget deficits...
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...governments around the world to engage in Neo-Keynesian policies in order to consolidate the stumbling global financial system. More recently the ‘Eurozone’ crisis has called into question one of the most ambitious international cooperations and has seen populations asking for more protectionism. In the Middle East, dictatorial regimes have been ousted by the revolutionary ‘Arab Spring’ and the newly formed governments are trying to find a way between global exchange and Islamic tradition. During these difficult times, emerging countries from Asia, Latin America and Africa have increasingly asserted their newly found economic and financial power and demanded a bigger participation in world governance. The tsunami that struck Fukushima in Japan in March 2011 creating a nuclear accident has convinced many nations to reconsider their energy policy. Despite all of this, globalization, even though criticized, is still active. Firms are moving to the new emerging economies in order to capture the consumption appetite of the growing middle classes. It is still relevant and important to put together all aspects of global strategic management. This third edition is still about global firms and global management. Its objective remains to help undergraduate and graduate students, as well as company executives, to understand the main issues that companies and their managers confront when they ‘go global’ or ‘manage globally’, and to cope with these issues. Data have been updated and several new cases...
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...MIH514-Cross Cultural Perspectives 9/3/2013 Elizabeth Glasser Japanese Culture I am choosing to do my session long project on Japan. I think Japan is a very interesting and beautiful place. No other country in the world has experienced such a confluence of tradition, technology, and circumstance. Japan is the hub for cutting edge technology; it is the only country that has witnessed the wrath of the atomic bomb, and it has the most massive economy in the world. The Japanese have interesting and amazing traditions that have been passed on from generation to generation for thousands of years. Japanese people can be very modern but till hold onto traditions that have been passed on for centuries. They wear amazingly beautiful clothes, have interesting art techniques and have one the largest markets for music. Japan is also known for their Geisha girls, martial arts, and bizarre foods. Origins “The Japanese Archipelago includes more than 3,000 islands, covering a total area of 377,835 square kilometers. The four main islands, from north to south, are Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu” (Szczepanski, n.d.). There is evidence that people inhabited Japan 30,000 years ago. According to Szczepanski (n.d.), these people were called Jomon and were hunter and gatherers who lived off the land. Japan first appears in the historical records of China in about 300 BC. There are many theories regarding the evolution of Japan. The most popular is that “Japanese...
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...THE YEAR THAT WAS(2011-12) In a year marked by mass protests, the awakening that swept the Arab world stood out. The Arab spring was sparked by rallies in Tunisia that followed the self-immolation in late 2010 of a young market worker angered by police harassment. He died in hospital in January, prompting thousands to take to the streets in sometimes violent clashes that forced the long-time president, Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, to flee to Saudi Arabia. Emboldened by the outcome in Tunisia, protesters soon rose up in other Arab countries. Hundreds of thousands of Egyptians filled the centre of Cairo and camped in Tahrir Square to call for Hosni Mubarak to step down. After three decades in power, Mr Mubarak withstood only three weeks of strife. Although frail, he eventually stood trial (due to resume soon) for the deaths that occurred when his security forces tried to quash the protests. Elsewhere, Yemen’s president fled in June and eventually signed a transition deal to end his 33-year reign; Saudi troops helped to put down unrest in Bahrain; and reform was embraced in Morocco and Jordan. But the Arab spring was met with stiff resistance in Syria, where protests were brutally put down by Bashar Assad’s regime, resulting in over 7,000 deaths so far. In Libya Muammar Qaddafi caused a civil war after he tried to crush an opposition movement that spread from Benghazi. NATO aircraft enforced a no-fly zone, endorsed by the Arab League, in support of the rebels. After a summer of conflict...
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