Paul Dorfman and Staffan Qvist both want to save the climate. But one of them wants to rid the world of nuclear reactors while the other wants to build more of them. We brought them together for a debate. Interview Conducted by Philip Bethge und Rafaela von Bredow Dorfman, 64, of University College London, is founder and chair […]
Tag Archives | nuclear energy
Can Nuclear Power Offer a Way Out of the Climate Crisis?
Billionaires and leading researchers in the United States are developing next-generation nuclear reactors that are small, reputedly safe and suitable to modern power grids. They could be part of the climate change solution. By Philip Bethge The core of the reactor will be almost entirely filled with nuclear waste, which is a great way of […]
Undeterred by Fukushima: Nuclear Lobby Pushes Ahead with New Reactors
One year after the reactor accident in Fukushima, resistance to nuclear energy is growing around the world. But the atomic industry continues to push for the construction of new reactors, primarily in emerging economies. The German government even wants to support that expansion — despite the fact it has abandoned nuclear power back home. By SPIEGEL Staff. […]
Jonathan Schell: ‘Our Illusion Is that We Can Control Nuclear Energy’
In a SPIEGEL interview, peace activist and author Jonathan Schell discusses the lessons of the Fukushima disaster, mankind’s false impression that it can somehow safely produce electricity from the atom, and why he thinks the partial meltdown in Japan could mark a turning point for the world. SPIEGEL: Mr. Schell, what unsettled you the most […]
Japan’s Chernobyl: Fukushima Marks the End of the Nuclear Era
Japan was still reeling from its largest recorded earthquake when an explosion struck the Fukushima nuclear plant on Saturday, followed by a second blast on Monday. Despite government assurances, there are fears of another Chernobyl. The incident has sparked a heated political debate in Germany and looks likely to end the dream of cheap and safe […]
Mushroom Clouds and Everpresent Danger: Surviving Cameramen Recall Nuclear Test Shots
By 1963, the United States had detonated more than 200 nuclear weapons in the atmosphere. Cameramen and photographers working for a secret special unit recorded the acts of destruction. Some of their sensational images have been declassified, and the last remaining eyewitnesses are now sharing their experiences. (-> VIDEO at SPIEGEL ONLINE) The atomic missile […]
Small Is Beautiful: Nuclear Industry Pins Hopes on Mini-Reactors
The nuclear energy industry hopes to secure its future through miniature nuclear reactors. The small underground plants will supposedly be safer than large plants, and would lower the cost of electricity from nuclear power. But critics say that the electricity the plants produce will be too expensive and warn of the risk of proliferation. By […]
Nuclear Renewal: Siemens Seeks to Cash In on Russia’s Atomic Adventure
Nuclear power is back in vogue in Russia, with 26 new reactors scheduled for construction by 2030. German industrial giant Siemens has grabbed a piece of the pie. But safety and financial concerns threaten to overshadow the country’s atomic ambitions. Olga Kurochkina can hardly hide her delight at making her German guests squirm. She has […]