45h Carnival of Nuclear Energy Blogs

The 45th Carnival of Nuclear Energy Blogs is up at Idaho Samizdat. Some of the blogs have become excellent feeds of nuclear updates. The ANS Nuclear Cafe blog of the American Nuclear Society has twice-daily updates and links to all the important news sources on its Fukushima tab. Other blogs also provide updates. NEI has excellent white papers and graphics. Next Big Future covers world reactions. For example, the Polish Prime Minister supports their new nuclear project, saying "we can't succumb to hysteria about it."

Most of the bloggers this time take a philosophical view, getting this event is perspective. Margaret Harding notes the optimist's dilemma: pessimists never have to say they are sorry. If pessimists are right, they did a great prediction! If they are wrong, well, that's nice but next time won't be so lucky.

Gail Marcus also comments on the negative sides of expressing optimism. Rod Adams retreats from earlier optimism in an insightful post about why we still need nuclear energy, but we shouldn't underestimate the effects of this accident. Charles Barton discusses the public perception of nuclear safety, and I comment on information that we still don't know. Suzanne Hobbs of PopAtomic Studios encourages pro-nuclear people to cooperate in creative ways.

In other posts, Cheryl Rofer discusses leaks and breaks and radioactive water: where does it come from? Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire Blog describes safety considerations for older reactors. Areva describes the effect of the accident on nuclear workers in this country. Canadian Energy Issues and Idaho Samizdat look toward the future, and how Fukushima will (or won't) affect new construction.

This is a more solemn blog than usual. Not really a carnival. It's more like a Greek philosophical symposium. Still, it is worth a visit, though you are more likely to drink a glass of red wine than eat cotton candy.

Don't forget to donate to the Nuclear Worker Relief fund, or other charities of your choice.