Japan improved its environmental record after Fukushima
False
The prolonged shutdown of Japan's nuclear power plants following the Fukushima accident brutally deprived the country of 30% of its electricity, which is still largely offset by fossil fuels (coal and natural gas), significantly increasing Japan's greenhouse gas emissions.
Japanese food products became dangerous after Fukushima
Misleading
The negative image around food produced in Japan has weighed heavily on the Japanese economy and on local producers who still struggle to make a living from their production, which nevertheless conforms with consumer standards.
Transporting radioactive material is irresponsible
False
The transport of radioactive materials from the nuclear industry is strictly regulated due to the diversity of the materials concerned and the safety issues they imply. The most dangerous packages are designed to withstand extreme conditions, such as falls, violent impact, deep submersion, and intense fires.
The main danger of Fukushima for populations was radioactive contamination
False
The main health impact of the accident is a consequence of evacuation and fear. It was detrimental to the well-being and mental health of the affected populations. Excessive media treatment, anxiety-provoking communication of anti-nuclear militant movements, and stigmatization by the rest of the Japanese population have only worsened these impacts.
Germany’s nuclear shutdown did not increase CO₂ emissions
Misleading
The most comprehensive studies on the subject are clear, the continued operation of nuclear power plants would have reduced German CO₂ emissions by tens of millions of metric tons each year. Keeping in mind that the carbon footprint for one passenger on a round trip Paris-New York flight is about 1.5 metric tons of CO₂.
The sea around Fukushima has been dangerously contaminated
False
Radioactive releases from the nuclear accident did not have an observable impact on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems beyond the immediate vicinity of the plant, and no impact is expected.
WHO and IAEA are indeed bound by an agreement dating back to 1959. However, it does not indicate subordination of either of the organizations to the other, as it places them on strictly equal footing. While this agreement has been subject to a number of controversies, WHO indicated in 2001 that this agreement did not threaten its independence.
In accordance with French law, the costs of dismantling and managing nuclear waste are included in the cost of nuclear energy, in the form of mandatory financial provisions established by the operator. These costs are also systematically incorporated into assessments when developing public policies.