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Unit 1 Chernobyl
In addition to these serious health problems, the accident had significant political
consequences, both in the Soviet Union and worldwide. Within the Soviet Union, the accident
forced the government to become less secretive and helped quicken the collapse of the
communist government. Worldwide, it all but stopped the construction of nuclear power plants
and caused many existing power plants to be shut down out of safety concerns. Now, however,
high oil prices and a need for energy are pushing many countries to turn once again to nuclear
power. China, for example, has plans to build at least two new nuclear power plants each year
for the next ten years. With nuclear power growing once again, one can only hope Chernobyl
remains an isolated incident.
10
In addition to these serious health problems, the accident had significant political
consequences, both in the Soviet Union and worldwide. Within the Soviet Union, the accident
forced the government to become less secretive and helped quicken the collapse of the
communist government. Worldwide, it all but stopped the construction of nuclear power plants
and caused many existing power plants to be shut down out of safety concerns. Now, however,
high oil prices and a need for energy are pushing many countries to turn once again to nuclear
power. China, for example, has plans to build at least two new nuclear power plants each year
for the next ten years. With nuclear power growing once again, one can only hope Chernobyl
remains an isolated incident.
10
