Back to Show
Earth Focus
Fukushima: Can it Happen in the U.S.?
The disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant in 2011 was not an isolated accident affecting only the 470,000 Japanese who were evacuated after the reactor meltdown and widespread release of radiation. Dr. Edwin Lyman of the Union of Concerned Scientists and co-author of the book "Fukushima: The Story of a Nuclear Disaster," says that efforts to reduce risks related to nuclear power generation are falling short and inadequate safety standards at 23 similar plants in the U.S. make a Fukushima-like disaster possible. He looks at which U.S. nuclear power plants are most vulnerable.
Watch more "Earth Focus" videos about nuclear energy issues.
Sign up now for inspiring and thought-provoking media delivered straight to your inbox.
Support Provided By

26:30
Solar power is changing lives in unexpected places.

26:40
The realities of milk production are forcing dairy communities across the globe to rethink the dairy production process.

26:04
This episode explores lumber poaching in the forests of Brazil and Oregon, where citizens and scientists are working together to combat the illegal lumber trade.

24:40
The popular demand for avocados is having a devastating impact on a drought-stricken community in Chile.

25:52
This episode of "Earth Focus" examines how the worldwide demand for oil and gas is impacting the communities that supply it.

24:28
Los Angeles is one of the biggest biodiversity hotspots in the world, despite its smog, urban sprawl and snarling freeways.

25:44
Communities and innovators all over the world are creating new sustainable food sources that are resilient to climate change and growing populations.

25:44
Anticipating future water needs, two regions on opposite sides of the world turn to technology for answers.

25:26
Two cities, San Francisco and Freetown, brace for climate change using vastly different methodologies.

25:58
Droughts and floods are driving many people away from their rural, farming communities into big cities.

25:30
Forecasts are dire for Louisiana to experience the second-highest sea level rise in the world. How is the region adapting?

26:40
“Vanishing Coral” presents the personal story of scientists and naturalists who are working with local communities to protect coral reefs that are being destroyed by warming seas, pollution, and destructive fishing practices.