Nuclear power ~ clean, safe and cheap?

[misisgreen]

Is Nuclear Power Worth the Risk?
We are told that nuclear power is the clean and safe alternative to other sources of power. We are increasingly told that we need to find alternative methods which decreases our reliance on fossil fuels, such as coal, and one which does not create even more air pollution.

Nuclear power is the way of the future, we have been informed: it is the new green alternative. It is better for the environment as it does not create air pollution, it is relatively cheap compared to other methods of producing electricity, and it is safe if appropriate precautions are taken.

"Appropriate precautions" is an interesting qualifier. What if the appropriate precautions are not enough? Following the earthquake which rocked Japan yesterday, 11 March 2011, and the associated damage to the Fukushima reactors, appropriate precautions are not enough.