In a series of recent reversals from Germany to Italy, Switzerland to Kuwait - where governments and the people have turned their backs on nuclear power - the global nuclear industry must surely and rightly be fearful for its long term future.
Another rush in the turning tide against nuclear power came this week when Japan’s Prime Minister Kan said the country should be looking towards a nuclear free society. Other world leaders should take heed.
Not only was Prime Minister Kan’s statement the only sensible response to the Fukushima nuclear disaster, it shows the vision to champion a future driven by renewable energy and efficiency, where nuclear is phased out, and public safety put first.
Just look at some of the innovation taking place in the renewable energy industry. How about solar panels that can be printed on paper?. Solar power is already cheaper than nuclear and is expected to be cheaper than fossils fuels in a just few short years.
Prime Minister Kan's vision of a nuclear-free Japan is more than an empty, idealistic aspiration. We have already shown that the world's energy needs can be met with the smart energy choices of the future, harnessing of renewable energy and increased efficiency.
Japan’s parliament now needs to reward the Prime Minister’s courage by passing the Renewable Energy Promotion Bill during the current parliamentary session. Meanwhile the country’s government must immediately withdraw all plans to build new reactors and prepare a gradual phase-out plan for the existing ones.
Look at Germany with 370,000 people already employed by its renewable energy industry. Japan, along with everyone else, should join this race to the future.