A Fiery Debate on the Future of Nuclear Energy: George Monbiot vs. Dr. Helen Caldicott

The crisis in Japan has refueled the rigorous global debate about the viability of nuclear power as the nation remains in a "state of maximum alert" while experts scramble to contain leaking radiation from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station.
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The crisis in Japan has refueled the rigorous global debate about the viability of nuclear power as the nation remains in a "state of maximum alert" while experts scramble to contain leaking radiation from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station.

Nuclear energy remains a controversial topic in climate change discourse, as environmental activists argue how to best reduce the amount of greenhouse gases being emitted into the atmosphere--often the debate pits one non-renewable energy against another as renewable energy technology and research remains underfunded.

Democracy Now! hosts a debate today about the future of nuclear energy between British journalist George Monbiot and Dr. Helen Caldicott.

Monbiot has written extensively about the environmental and health dangers caused by burning coal for energy, and despite the Fukushima catastrophe, stands behind nuclear power. His latest article for The Guardian is called, "Why Fukushima made me stop worrying and love nuclear power."

Caldicott is a world-renowned anti-nuclear advocate who has spent decades warning of the medical hazards posed by nuclear technologies, and while agreeing about the dangers of burning coal, insists the best option is to ban nuclear power.

Watch the second part of the debate:

See Democracy Now!'s news archive for years of reporting on global warming and the climate justice movements click here. Join us on Facebook.

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