Nobel Laureate: Preservation of Human Life Dependent on Elimination of Nuclear Power [Video]
Nobel Prize winning Japanese novelist Kenzaburo Oe has petitioned Japan's government to move forward with an energy policy that completely eliminates nuclear power.
An outspoke critic of nuclear energy, Oe's writing has often featured commentary on nuclear power. Since the Fukushima disaster last year, Oe has steeped up his efforts to abolish nuclear power in Japan.
Along with three academics, Oe recently submitted an anti-petition with six million signatures on it. Oe told the cabinet that he opposes the government's plan to restart the the Ohi nuclear plant in western Japan.
Speaking to reporters, Oe stated bluntly: "I believe the only way to preserve human life is to completely turn away from nuclear power."
Prior to the Fukushima accident, nuclear power accounted for nearly 30% of Japan's electricity production; the government had planned to increase this to 50% by 2030.
Image credit: Thesupermat via Wikimedia Commons
Nathanael Baker is the Managing Editor of EnergyBoom. He has researched and reported on the issues of renewable energy, sustainability, and climate change for over two years. He has provided research to the New York Times and The Economist, as well as being published on different media outlets including, The Energy Collective.
Energy Boom content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be advice regarding the investment merits of, or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of, any security identified on, or linked through, this site.
