Japan Disaster Testimonial | Brian Hobin

My name is Brian Hobin, I believe that the nuclear disaster at the Fukushima power plant has had lasting effects on the bird populations in the area. Such effects have been displayed immediately after the disaster, but also as a result of biomagnification, and the transmission of genetic mutations throughout generations of bird species. I learned that the lasting effects of nuclear radiation have yet to be assessed, yet it is possible to understand the long-term consequences by looking at Chernobyl. I am still concerned about the Japanese government's response to this situation, both in the context of human health hazards, and irreversible changes to bird migration and the health of the birds. After conducting this research, I am better able to understand the Fukushima disaster following the meltdown, and the reasons why so many people are dissatisfied with the response. Vulnerable bird species have been the victims of radiation for years without any significant consideration from the government, if this treatment continues for both birds and other animal species, it is evident that society as a whole can learn a valuable lesson from the 3/11 disaster, specifically; how the response to a catastrophic event is the largest determining factor in the overall damage to the environment.