Rational Energy Choices in the Wake of Fukushima

Even before Fukushima, many nations were reconsidering the role of nuclear power in their energy mix, as a means to alleviate concerns over climate change, security of supply and price volatility of fossil fuels. Scientifi c evidence on safety was being actively scrutinized. An OECD report was released: Comparing Nuclear Accident Risks with Those from Other Energy Sources .[ 2 ] This presented data on accidents causing fi ve or more prompt deaths in the energy industry from 1969 to 2000, during which 1870 such severe accidents occurred globally, resulting in 81,258 deaths. The only severe nuclear accident (Chernobyl) killed 31 plant and emergency workers. Regarding long range health impacts in areas affected by Chernobyl, one set of OECD estimates projected up Address for correspondence: Franklin White Associate Editor IJMEDPH