Program Contents (March 1st, 2008)

"A New Wind from Europe #2"
- Challenge of "Low Carbon Cities" -

In reducing CO2 emissions, the EU leads the world towards developing a "low carbon society." Last year the EU’s largest city, London, announced by 2025 a strict goal to reduce carbon emissions by 60% to the level that of 1990. A strong initiative to promote reductions in CO2 by the government introduced, a "Green Concierge System," which advises citizens how to save energy and a "Congestion Charge" that severely restricts automobile traffic in the city, as well as a system to subsidies house renovations. The world economy reception, on one hand, through preferred measures builds cooperative relations, while trying to advance one’s own energy policy. The "Environmental Revolution" started in London, birthplace of the "Industrial Revolution." We will interview key persons and report on the challenge of "Low Carbon Cities."

"The Global Rush for Nuclear Power"
- -

Whereas numerous scandals and accidents in Japan have resulted in there being a deep-rooted distrust of nuclear power plants there, rising oil prices and energy demands associated with a need to address issues of climate change are fueling an emerging boom in nuclear reactor construction in other countries around the globe. However, entering the nuclear power plant business abroad raises concerns regarding nuclear proliferation. Since technology for nuclear power generation could be used for nuclear weapons, it has lead to discussions as to what rules should be applied in different countries. Amid fears of terrorists getting their hands on nuclear material, Japan would of necessity be required to take the lead on the diplomatic front to ensure security in the nuclear business. Today's Close Up will focus on what's happening in the global nuclear energy market and report what road Japan is expected to take.

"Unafraid to be Old and Alone"
- How to prepare for an aging society -

Amidst the increase among the elderly living single due to the nuclear family trend, a movement to utilize wisdom and ingenuity to overcome the fear of living alone, is spreading. Living in a pseudo family setting called "Group Living," a regional system called "Workers Collective," where the young support the elderly; many others seek a lifestyle not dependent on their family. The increase in older single people also gave birth to books that prepare the elderly for living alone. Among them, "Living Alone During Old Age," by Chizuko Ueno, sold more than 700,000 copies, making evident that there is a large class of elderly worried about living alone. We will report on the "single elderly," carving out a life on their own while feeling a vague uneasiness and think about how to live the upcoming "Elderly Single Society."

"Overlooked Radiation"
- "Atomic Bomb Disease Certification" Reviewed -

The national certificate system of A-bomb disease recognizes diseases such as cancer and leukemia caused by atomic bomb radiation. Starting next month, the government will review the entire accreditation standards of illness caused by atomic bomb radiation. Out of the 250,000 A-bomb victims, only 1% recognized having A-bomb disease. After the bombing near the hypocenter, the "residual radiation" effects of the atomic bomb in "bomb survivors entering the city" has so far not been accepted standards for most. The review of the "bomb survivors entering the city" is widely recognized as A-bomb disease, certification of 20,000 people is expected, an increase of 10 times. Meanwhile, with radiation affecting the human body still not clear in many parts, recognition of these A-bomb victims in having an A-bomb disease is opaque. We will inspect why the certification of "bomb survivors entering the city" overlooked, and think how the nation should face and aid the victims of atomic bomb diseases.

"Approaching Lunar Mysteries – Kaguya" (Repeat)
- The latest exploring report -

©JAXA/NHK

Kaguya is the Japanese lunar probe. Kazuya has a gigantic satellite and 14 kinds of observing devices are installed, and this is called a big-scaled challenge since Apollo 13. The real investigation will be starting from December and clarify to us the process and data how the current figure of the moon was created. For example, "a geographical camera" which has high-resolution will accurately depict its surface in three-dimension and also will approach the history that how craters on the moon was formed. Furthermore, it has been delivering dynamic movies and various features of the earth filmed by NHK’s cosmic high-vision camera. "Today's Closeup" will report the latest achievement of Kaguya which is still approaching the lunar mysteries.