Question

which of the following could have averted the disaster?
japan relies heavily on nuclear power; however, in 2011,
japan experienced a nuclear meltdown at some of its
nuclear power plants. when the reactors detected an
earthquake, emergency generators pumped water to cool
the fuel rods, but subsequent tsunami flooding caused the
generators to fail, which caused radiation to enter the
atmosphere.
a. looser regulations for the power industry
b. eliminating the emergency generators
c. less government involvement
d. tougher flooding safety measures

Explanation:

• Option A: Looser regulations would likely not prevent disasters. They might even increase risks.
• Option B: Eliminating emergency generators would make it impossible to cool fuel rods when needed, worsening the situation.
• Option C: Less government involvement could lead to less oversight and more potential for disasters.
• Option D: Tougher flooding safety measures could have protected the emergency generators from tsunami - caused flooding, preventing their failure and thus averting the disaster.

Answer:

D. Tougher flooding safety measures