International Law

Irrational fear

By Karl-Friedrich Lenz

of nuclear power in Germany analyzed by someone who shares the fear at this Dailykos dairy.

I agree with much of the argument. One reason for irrational fear is the complexity of the situation. Even the experts in charge seem to be driving with a blindfold.

Another is the fact that the normal citizen has no control over the process. You have to take whatever result the process delivers. Someone else has their hands on the steering wheel. And they don’t seem to be knowing what they are doing.

I also share the author’s view that nuclear energy is dangerous. I live in Tokyo, near enough to be concerned about large-scale nuclear fallout.

But the question is not if nuclear power is dangerous. Of course it is. The question is if it is more dangerous than burning fossil fuel and causing global hell (global warming) in the process.

I don’t think that is true. And I also don’t think we can afford irrational decisions in this regard.

Full post as published by Lenz Blog on April 01, 2011 (boomark / email).