At the comic book launch, Greenpeace distributed limited editions of the print version of the comic to representatives of communities from the different parts of Thailand, who are opposing the siting of nuclear power plants in their province. The comic book is free and can also be access through the Greenpeace website at www.greenpeace.or.th/comic.
The comic book was developed by Indonesian artists with storyline by Greenpeace Southeast Asia Nuclear Campaigner Tessa de Ryck. In the story, two teenagers, Cosmo and Luna, go back in time to the year 2009 in a race to save the planet from the devastating effects of climate change and nuclear power.
The comic book also acquaints young readers with climate change-the number one threat facing our planet today, as well as the United Nations Climate Change meeting to be held in Copenhagen in December this year. Nuclear power is the most dangerous and expensive source of electricity. Greenpeace asserts that renewable energy-not unsafe nuclear power-is the solution to global warming.
"The youth will be the ones most affected by the impacts of nuclear power and climate change if the EGAT's nuclear power proposal pushes through. With the launch of Nuclear Meltdown Greenpeace is reaching out to Thai youth in the communities where nuclear power plant is proposing to be built (1) with the message that they have the power to change the world and prevent this from happening. Today's generation of young people are the defenders of the planet's future," said Tara Buakamsri, Campaign Manager of Greenpeace Southeast Asia.
"The people of Nakornsawan are opposing the ridiculous proposal to set up a Nuclear Power plant in our province as we are extremely concerned about the negative environmental impacts of nuclear energy. We do not want to live in under the constant fear of nuclear accidents like the one in Chernobyl. Nuclear energy is dangerous and Thailand should not dream dangerous dreams," said Sarawut Thongtavornwong, Community leader of Thatako District, Nakornsawan province.
Greenpeace stands for positive change through action to defend the natural world and promote peace. We are a non-profit organization with a presence in 40 countries. To maintain our independence, Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments or corporations but relies on contributions from individual supporters and foundation grants.
Other contacts: Tara Buakamsri, Campaign Manager Tel: 089-476-9977 Wiriya Kingwatcharapong, Media Campaigner Tel: 089-487-0678
Notes: (1) There are 16 different site selection of nuclear power plant development located in Chainat, Nakhon Sawan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Chonburi and Trat province. Site selection has been part of feasibility study done by Burn&Roe – US consulting firm.
(2) “Nuclear Meltdown - a Message from the Darkness” can be viewed online at: www.greenpeace.or.th/comic.">http://www.greenpeace.org/seasia/th/campaigns/nuclear">www.greenpeace.or.th/comic.