Sunday, June 12, 2011

Environment and Democracy

Today Italy began to vote to decide about a new nuclear power program. The previous referendum had been held in 1987 and it brought Italy in the stoppage of nuclear production. Since July 2009 the Italian Government have worked to define a new nuclear power program. Italy is bounded in the north-east by Slovenija, which is a small country where there are 2 (two) nuclear power stations, the north  by Swiss, where there are 5 (five) ones and the north-west by France, where there are 58 (fifty eight) nuclear power stations!!!
On the other hand, last month Germany has decided to suspend its activities nuclear.
In my opinion we need to improve energy efficiency because a more consistent effort to develop sustainability and an increased contribution of renewable energy production (green economy) would prevent the need of nuclear production. But, from a strategic point of view, nowadays Italy needs at least a small share ( 5% ) of nuclear production, although there are the high radioactive waste disposal costs. The world energy demand will grow in the period 2012-2020. Of consequence, the price of carbon and crude oil will rise too!
Today Italian people have to chose about the new nuclear power program!
What do you think about nuclear production? I'm curious of your opinion!
Nice Sunday to all my blogger friends!

7 comments:

Rís said...

Ireland has no nuclear power, but it is a debate that will grow here over the next few years. The hope is that we could develop better greener energy through wind or at sea, but this is very hopeful at this stage...

Amy said...

We are having the same debate here in Belgium - I hope we can rely more on wind and sun energy but I agree with you - I think it will be necessary to keep some of the nuclear capacity until the other types can pick up the slack.

Anne said...

Nuclear energy scares me...we've not had good experience with nuclear power here in Québec. It seems to end up costing more to make, than it earns (remember we have lots of hydro-electricity here, which is pretty cheap), plus it leaves lots of radioactive waste. Not something I'm crazy about...

Char said...

I'm all for cleaner and greener power but not sure if nuclear is the way to go. I saw what happened at Chernobyl and now the potential for major disaster in Japan. I'll stick to solar power where possible - but I live in a sunny country.

Ewa said...

What happened in Japan scared us just like big plane crashes do. Still, plane travel is safer than car travel, and I think so is nuclear energy production. We should try and rely as much as we can on wind and solar power sources but these are not without environmental impact either.
My biggest hope (though futile) is conservation.

Black Knight said...

I agree. You are right.
Ma ricordiamoci come ci hanno preso per il c.... con il finanziamento pubblico ai partiti e con la responsabilità civile dei giudici.

Johann said...

I have no problem with it as long as waste management is done properly. If a more natural solution can give enough power it will be the best of course but currently I think nuclear is the best way to go.