GreenPeace BlogQuestions for the nuclear expert Heinz Smital
We receive many requests about nuclear power, particularly for nuclear phase and the energy transition. Fukushima also still employs many people. Especially those who travel for personal or professional reasons to Japan. An interview with our expert Heinz Smital. There was much support for the nuclear phase-out in Germany and also to work for Greenpeace.There was also criticism that we get in Germany, although the nuclear power – but not our European neighbors. What do the other Greenpeace offices in terms of nuclear power?
For one to rise to Switzerland and Belgium from the nuclear power, on the other hand, there was in Italy a referendum against nuclear power: the Greenpeace offices have a leading position worked, these are away.The nuclear campaigns in other countries are still active. What is now about is the success that we've managed in Germany with the nuclear phase to export to other states. We are working together with other European countries and with Greenpeace International.
As the population reacted in Japan? If there is more awareness of how dangerous nuclear power is
What many people in Germany is not known: If there is such thing as an environmental movement in Japan, then there's the anti-nuclear movement, which has been active for years. There are even sites where, as in Gorleben, is 30 years since protests against nuclear plant. In one area there are, for example every Monday demonstrations. The movement is virtually ignored by the Japanese media.
In Japan, the media has a very strong government – and commercially exploitable, which is a big problem. But that's changing now, because many Japanese are increasingly informed about the international media in order to learn something about the situation in their own country. Because they have more confidence that they get there the right information.
The protest in Japan has now reached understandably broad population groups. There are new organizations. In particular, parents who have organized against the intention of the government, to reduce the limits for radioactivity. Of these, of course, particularly the children are affected. Here there is widespread resistance.
How to become a radiation protection expert at Greenpeace?
You need the appropriate training, practical experience and a recognized radiation protection course. Greenpeace are an international team of so-called “Radiation Safety Adviser”, which are in close contact and conduct annual practical exercises. For practical applications, there are guidelines and adapted to the particular use is a so-called “Radiation Safety Protocol” will be prepared.
Many people no longer trust the statements of the authorities. In particular, very high values in Tokyo were measured. What we think of the measurements in Japan and why Greenpeace does not even comprehensive, regular measurements?
Greenpeace has already started with our own measurements in early Japan and revealed that a dangerous contamination is much further away from the reactor to be found, as given by the authorities initially announced. Also on the Pacific coast were carried out with a Greenpeace ship measurements. , A regular and comprehensive measurement Greenpeace not afford, but through the selective detection of problems and contradictions to official statements, there is a debate that gives people a clearer picture.
Will there be a power shift in Japan? As we see the future of Tepco?
Tepco may on its own does not lift the consequences and costs of the disaster at Fukushima. Massive government support will be required, and the people have serious drawbacks in the region. The anti-nuclear protests in Japan have become strong and the population is mainly for a phasing out of nuclear power. Currently only about 10 reactors originally run by 54, that also shows how nuclear power is actually dispensable. In Japan, there will be a turning point and the energy will also affect the development of the energy sector worldwide critical.
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