The Fukushima Meltdown

The Fukushima Meltdown explores the devastating 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster and its profound impact on Japan's energy policies and the global perception of nuclear energy. The book meticulously reconstructs the events of the disaster, triggered by a massive earthquake and tsunami, while assessing the immediate and lasting environmental and health consequences. It further investigates the political and economic factors that shaped Japan’s response, highlighting the nation's deep reliance on nuclear power following the 1970s oil crises. The book unveils critical flaws in Japan's nuclear governance, corporate culture, and emergency response protocols, arguing these failures led to a preventable catastrophe and a subsequent crisis of public confidence. It gives voice to the experiences of those directly affected, moving beyond technical analysis to explore the social and psychological dimensions of the incident. Unfolding chronologically, the book begins with the events of March 11, 2011, analyzes the technical failures leading to the meltdowns, and then explores the aftermath, including evacuations and health monitoring. Ultimately, The Fukushima Meltdown provides a comprehensive account of the disaster, drawing from government reports, independent investigations, and interviews with affected residents, experts, and policymakers. It underscores the disaster's role as a stark reminder of the risks associated with nuclear power, reshaping Japan's energy landscape and prompting global policy shifts.