sbs program tonight, page-13

re: sbs program: link to major report Don't shoot the messenger. I just posted the link.

But the Chernobyl accident has been way overhyped, it was 20 years ago, the maintenance was shonky, the design was old and outdated even before it was built, and yet it has become the byword for nuclear accidents.

The point that several very knowledgable people are trying to make is that Chernobyl has engendered a fear factor which is irrational and which is holding back the use of nuclear energy. Current designs are ALMOST foolproof (yes, yes, I know the Titanic was unsinkable too) and are designed to contain any possible meltdown or breakdown. The lessons of Chernobyl have long been learned.

The fact that there are already about 480 nuclear power stations on the planet, and that these have been operating quietly and safely for decades, seems to have escaped the notice of some people.

In the meantime, there is a common mistake that people make, including politicians and Greens - they confuse uranium mining with nuclear power generation. When Kevin Rudd states that he is against nuclear power stations for Australia, that does NOT mean he is against uranium mining - in fact he is very pro-mining and export. The morals of that can be debated till the cows come home, but the media, pollies, and the public at large seem to have a problem differentiating the two.

OK - I'm off for a while. Happy trading all :)