Fukushima at Pugwash Conference (2)

November 4, 2015

Pugwash Conference discusses risk of peaceful use of nuclear energy

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20151104p2a00m0na010000c.html

NAGASAKI -- A special session focusing on the risk of peaceful use of atomic energy was held here as part of the 61st Pugwash Conference on Science and World Affairs on Nov. 3, where participants discussed the Fukushima nuclear disaster and the role of scientists.

Kiyoshi Kurokawa, former chairman of the National Diet of Japan Fukushima Nuclear Accident Independent Investigation Commission, said about the disaster at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant operated by Tokyo Electric Power Co., "The accident occurred against the backdrop of closed and non-transparent bureaucratic and corporate culture, among other factors."

In order to prevent a recurrence of such a disaster, "We must think about nuclear energy as responsible citizens, not as individuals belonging to organizations," he said.

In a lecture delivered during the conference, Osamu Shimomura, a 2008 Nobel Prize in Chemistry laureate, recounted his experience of the Aug. 9, 1945 atomic bombing of Nagasaki and said, "Everything derives from wars. I hope that we can live in a world without wars or nuclear weapons."