Âé¶¹´«Ã½

Technology

Out of control: How to live in an unfathomable world

By Braden R. Allenby and Daniel Sarewitz

11 May 2011

Âé¶¹´«Ã½. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

The disaster at Fukushima prompted only polarised, stereotypical responses

(Image: Tepco)

We need to accept that the interactions of technology, society and nature are now beyond our understanding

SOON after the combination of an earthquake and the resulting tsunami destroyed the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan earlier this year, opposing sides began to mobilise their standard arguments to reach foregone conclusions. Obviously, the disaster showed that nuclear power was insanely risky and should be abandoned. Equally obviously, new reactors will be designed to avoid such risks and will be crucial for meeting the planet’s growing energy and environmental demands.…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with Âé¶¹´«Ã½ events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, today with our introductory offers

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop