Friday, December 30, 2011
Living Planet: Looking back at 2011
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Podcast Episode Summary
Looking back at 2011: Japan's Fukushima nuclear disaster; Germany to phase out nuclear energy; smart grids necessary to handle renewables; France fights over its controversial nuclear power plant in Fessenheim; concerns about methane plague Brazil's Belo Monte dam; Europe's emissions trading scheme upsets air carriers.You can listen to the show online or subscribe to Living Planet as a podcast. Click on the links below for the individual items. Nuclear safety expert looks at Japan's Fukushima nuclear disasterJapan's Fukushima nuclear crisis began with a magnitude 9 earthquake that unleashed an enormous Tsunami on March 11. Three reactors at the plant suffered meltdowns.It was only in December that Japan's government said the reactors had reached a state of "cold shutdown." Lothar Hahn, former head of GRS, an agency which briefs the German government on nuclear safety talked about when the Japanese crisis began.
Interview: Nathan WitkopGerman Chancellor Merkel does away with nuclear energyWhen Japan's nuclear crisis began, people in Germany immediately drew parallels with the 1986 Chernobyl disaster in the former Soviet Union. People's support for nuclear energy plummeted.Chancellor Angela Merkel, who had just extended the lifespan of nuclear plants, buckled under the pressure. She announced a surprise freeze in the policy.
Report: Ben Knight Smart grids are crucial to handle renewables' fluctuating supply, experts sayToday, renewables supply around 20 percent of electricity in Germany. But there's a downside to using renewable energy: it's the fluctuating supply.To offset this, supporters say governments need to invest in 'smart grids.' Professor Olav Hohmeyer, an energy advisor to the German government explained why it's crucial to build smart grids.
Interview: Nathan WitkopFight over France's most controversial nuclear power plant in Fessenheim heats upFrance is more dependent on nuclear energy than any other country. But things might be about to change.This year, the country's opposition forged an alliance to scale down France's reliance on nuclear power. Meanwhile, President Sarkozy's administration has left open the possibility of shutting down the country's oldest reactor, Fessenheim, when the results of a 'stress test' are released in January.
Report: Diana Fong, Fessenheim, FranceConcerns about methane plague Brazil's Belo Monte damFukushima may have made 2011 a transformative year for energy – how we make it, its impact on us and the world around us. But it's not just Europeans who have been reviewing their energy choices.Brazil gets most of its energy from a renewable source – hydroelectric dams. This year it approved a massive new project: the Belo Monte dam on the Xingu River in the northern state of Para.
Report: Jon Beaupre, Altamira, Brazil / Claes Andreasson Europe's emissions trading scheme upsets international air carriersOn January 1, Europe's emissions trading scheme is set to be extended to the aviation industry. Airlines using terminals in the EU will have to offset at least part of its emissions.International carriers are angry, but it seems they will have to comply. Last week the EU's top court threw out a legal challenge launched by US airlines. Back in September, Teri Schultz covered the show down between carriers and legislators.
Report: Teri Schultz, Brussels
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