Japanese Disaster

TYLER DERRICK

Japan has been faced with a major earthquake and devastating tsunami in the past year. These disasters have left much of the small island nation in shambles. As a direct result, the principal nuclear power plant in Fukushima has experienced multiple core reactor meltdowns releasing toxic radioactive into the environment. Gasses are spewed into the atmosphere; elements with long half-lives infiltrate the lithosphere; and noxious liquids permeate the ground and contaminate the hydrosphere. These all affect the biosphere in the surrounding areas. The Japanese government is conducting a research study testing for thyroid cancer (a disease directly related to radiation exposure) on 360,000 children under the age of eighteen throughout the surrounding areas.

The Prefecture of Fukushima has declared all space within a twelve mile radius of the power plant polluted and has evacuated this zone. They have been actively trying to clean up the contagions by hosing down roads and buildings and replacing topsoil. They have declared the land in direct vicinity of the nuclear reactor condemned for at least a few decades. Many residents are planning on moving away from the area permanently.

Nuclear fission reactors have been a promising source of energy for a century now. Nuclear reactors have such an enticing appeal due to the immense amount of energy produced from a divided nucleus. However, there has been proven downfalls with this method. Many researchers who worked diligently to develop practical applications for this process were plagued with radiation poisoning. A byproduct of nuclear fission is spent radioactive waste. Disposing of this waste is tricky and methods have been implemented such as sending it into outer space or burying it deep underground. The long-term effects of these practices are unknown and speculated to be unsafe. There have also been major reactor failures such as the one in Japan or The Chernobyl Power Plant accident in the USSR. These release poisonous matter that combines with the air, water, and soil and in turn infect plants, animals, and humans. Different exposure levels could be lethal or lead to genetic mutations.

This is a prime example why renewable energy sources are crucial for our environmental future. Earth systems produce natural energy that can be harnessed and stored for use by humans. An example of this would be wind that is produced by changes in air pressure. We can create windmills that use its kinetic power to spin wind turbines and in turn create electricity. Another clean energy option is hydroelectric power. Natural flowing bodies of water can be controlled by man-made dams and spin turbines similar to wind.

This should be taken as yet another warning that we need to change our conduct as a species so that we do not compromise the health of our future generations. We need to utilize improved energy techniques to maintain a sterile environment in which we and other species call home.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/11/world/asia/japan-studies-radiation-effects-on-children.html?_r=2&ref=earth

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_fission#Energetics

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renewable_energy