Junichiro Koizumi
By Junichiro Koizumi
I believe that the government and the Liberal Democratic Party should adopt a zero nuclear energy policy. Pursuing this policy will unify the people in their effort to transform themselves into a recycling-oriented society that relies on nature as a source of energy, not nuclear power generation. Alternatives to nuclear power as an energy source will certainly be discovered by those with sufficient know-how.
In an editorial on October 8, The Yomiuri Shimbun criticised this view, describing it as “overly optimistic and irresponsible,” and saying that doubts could be raised about my contentions. However, I believe that what matters in politics is to establish the overall direction of an action in pursuit of a target.
Political leaders should establish a council that brings together the wisdom of nuclear power experts and intellectuals who support a zero nuclear energy policy. This should be followed by efforts to implement policies proposed by the panel. Success in advancing this process would help secure the technical experts needed to decommission nuclear reactors, while also coming up with various ideas to help create jobs and develop alternative energy sources. The editorial pointed out, “Thermal power generation is a major cause of accelerated global warming because it discharges a huge amount of carbon dioxide.”
It also said: “Thermal power is currently filling the shortfall created by the loss of nuclear power generation. As a result, utility bills continue to rise due to higher fuel import costs.” However, if measures are taken to promote the development of energy sources other than nuclear power generation, electric power companies will not be able to raise utility charges so easily. The editorial also said renewable energy sources that make use of sunlight and wind have the disadvantage of being affected by weather conditions. However, great strides have been made in the development of power storage technology.
It is more worthwhile to channel a large amount of money and energy into constructing a recycling society based on natural resources than into building disposal sites, where the toxicity of radioactive substances will remain even after thousands or tens of thousands of years. It is also more inspiring. Japan has overcome crises in the past and reinvented itself by making major shifts, from national isolation to opening up the country; from “Kichiku beiei (brutal devils of the US and Britain)” to “pro-US and pro-British stance”; and from a country that experienced oil crises to an environmentally advanced nation.
The time has come to transform quagmires such as the Great East Japan Earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis into positive opportunities. From now on, it is important to implement policies in which people and companies can cooperate proactively. “Have at it, have it” is said to be magical phrase. In the spirit of taking up a challenge, we should continue to make efforts to realise a recycling society with no nuclear power generation. WP-BLOOMBERG
By Junichiro Koizumi
I believe that the government and the Liberal Democratic Party should adopt a zero nuclear energy policy. Pursuing this policy will unify the people in their effort to transform themselves into a recycling-oriented society that relies on nature as a source of energy, not nuclear power generation. Alternatives to nuclear power as an energy source will certainly be discovered by those with sufficient know-how.
In an editorial on October 8, The Yomiuri Shimbun criticised this view, describing it as “overly optimistic and irresponsible,” and saying that doubts could be raised about my contentions. However, I believe that what matters in politics is to establish the overall direction of an action in pursuit of a target.
Political leaders should establish a council that brings together the wisdom of nuclear power experts and intellectuals who support a zero nuclear energy policy. This should be followed by efforts to implement policies proposed by the panel. Success in advancing this process would help secure the technical experts needed to decommission nuclear reactors, while also coming up with various ideas to help create jobs and develop alternative energy sources. The editorial pointed out, “Thermal power generation is a major cause of accelerated global warming because it discharges a huge amount of carbon dioxide.”
It also said: “Thermal power is currently filling the shortfall created by the loss of nuclear power generation. As a result, utility bills continue to rise due to higher fuel import costs.” However, if measures are taken to promote the development of energy sources other than nuclear power generation, electric power companies will not be able to raise utility charges so easily. The editorial also said renewable energy sources that make use of sunlight and wind have the disadvantage of being affected by weather conditions. However, great strides have been made in the development of power storage technology.
It is more worthwhile to channel a large amount of money and energy into constructing a recycling society based on natural resources than into building disposal sites, where the toxicity of radioactive substances will remain even after thousands or tens of thousands of years. It is also more inspiring. Japan has overcome crises in the past and reinvented itself by making major shifts, from national isolation to opening up the country; from “Kichiku beiei (brutal devils of the US and Britain)” to “pro-US and pro-British stance”; and from a country that experienced oil crises to an environmentally advanced nation.
The time has come to transform quagmires such as the Great East Japan Earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis into positive opportunities. From now on, it is important to implement policies in which people and companies can cooperate proactively. “Have at it, have it” is said to be magical phrase. In the spirit of taking up a challenge, we should continue to make efforts to realise a recycling society with no nuclear power generation. WP-BLOOMBERG
