Atomic energy indispensable

It would be a mistake to categorically rule out the peaceful use of atomic energy in reaction to the nuclear disaster in Japan, the business paper Hospodářské noviny: "It sounds cynical but that's the way it is: the worse the damage caused by the accidents at the Japanese nuclear power plants, the better it is for the opponents of nuclear power. But before we reject nuclear power outright we should consider a few things. There aren't that many alternatives. Gas and oil come mostly from conflict regions like the Middle East or Russia. Alternative energy sources are still expensive and can't compete. Coal may be a cheap, local raw material but it can only be mined at the expense of brutally destroying the countryside and resettling entire communities. Under European conditions nuclear energy is the most economic and environmentally friendly source of energy because it doesn't contribute to global warning. ... The right reaction to Fukushima is to tighten safety standards at nuclear plants. And to explain the risks and advantages of nuclear energy with respect to other forms of energy under the conditions prevalent here in Europe."

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