Michael Douglas, Christie Brinkley, Charlize Theron, Stevie Wonder, Jet Li, and Secretary General Ban Ki-moon are just some of the Diplomat Artists who have come together following the devastating earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster of March 11th at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. Charlize Theron, a United Nations Messenger of Peace, expressed her solidarity with the people of Japan in recording a special message. Jet Li, actor & action star, has made an appeal as UN and World Health Organization (WHO) Goodwill Ambassador in view of recent China quakes and Pacific tsunami for safer construction, particularly hospitals. The UN Secretary General also asked Stevie Wonder to employ his hit song "Signed, Sealed Delivered" to UN's climate agenda. Even before the disaster, Michael Douglas had been one of the longer serving UN Messengers of Peace, advocating Nuclear Disarmament. He appeared frequently with Secretary General Ban Ki-moon who spoke of a “new wind blowing.” Still recovering from cancer, Michael Douglas returned to UN HQ in New York and joined Ban Ki-moon to inaugurate a new installation of civil society petitions calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons. They spoke of the “Hibakushas” (survivors of nuclear attacks in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.) Douglas proclaimed, “The Japanese people have a history of rebuilding their country from both natural and man-made disasters. Another tragedy befell the citizenry of Japan, occurred in August 1945 when two atomic bombs, one devastating Hiroshima, the other Nagasaki, killed hundreds of thousands instantly and has left a lifetime of scars for those who survived the blasts.” “The people that signed these petitions are sending a clear and unambiguous message that cities do not accept being held hostage by nuclear weapons.” Recently, but prior to March 11th, Christie Brinkley, model, actress and "diplomat-artist" spoke at the United Nations to promote the agenda of nuclear disarmament. She reiterated that little progress was achieved since the last agreement in 1996, and that it would appear that disarmament, a fundamental objective of multilateralism and the UN, could use a momentum booster and greater visibility in view of the potential destructive consequences and threat to mankind's future as a whole. Was she a soothsayer for March 11th doom or a catalyst for a call to action? Which brings me to peaceful purposes for nuclear energy, the responsibilities that come with it, and the role of alternate sources for the world’s energy needs. Atomic Energy Agency expert, Anne Starz, reports that while interest in nuclear power is worldwide, most desire has come from South East Asia. About 60 countries, mostly in the developing world, have turned to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for guidance in meeting their energy needs. Ironically, at a recent meeting co-sponsored by Japan and the United States before March 11th, participants discussed existing challenges and how to further develop their nuclear infrastructure. According to the IAEA, one of the major barriers for developing countries is the upfront capital cost of the technology. Most nations are interested in nuclear energy for security and to offset energy crises due to climate change. Currently, 29 countries in the world operate nuclear power plants. Sentiment right now is predictably “Not in my backyard.” I recently learned by email from Change.org that Indian Point Energy Center, a nuclear plant, is located 38 miles north of Manhattan. That would encompass an area of 20 million people and UN Headquarters. Living on Staten Island, means it’s about 50 miles from me. Yes, I knew it was there before but now am a lot more focused. Where we use nuclear energy, there must be transparency, upgrades in safety standards, protocols for fire safety, storage of spent fuel, meltdown prevention, and an exit plan. We need to ask ourselves should a nuclear plant be located in areas prone to earthquakes. The financial cost of closing some plants may be high. But at what human price are we willing to forsake life, and the future lives and quality of life for our children? Our entire world is at stake accompanied with high energy demand. We must search for alternatives in wind, thermal, and solar. For an interesting take on solar energy, please refer to DiplomaticallyIncorrect.org’s film report: “About 0 Emission Wins Car Race/Tony Curtis Wins Girl?” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/0-emission-wins-car-racetony-curtis-wins-girl/25081 In “Around the World in 80 Days” three, solar-electric powered cars complete their zero emissions race in Geneva. Having traveled the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe, the race teams pronounced zero-emission vehicles to be here now, reliable and economic for much broader use by the global population. One of my favorite film reports from DiplomaticallyIncorrect.org is “One Child Many Trees” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/one-childmany-trees/24528. This story was also picked up by CNN. A thirteen-year old by the name of Felix Finbeiner and founder of “Plant for the Planet”, addressed the UN General Assembly to challenge world leaders in a call to action to promote sustainability of our resources. Felix’s organization has planted a million trees in Germany and is now working in 91 countries. Felix scored the point “less hot air,” when after his speech, he covered the mouth of the President of the General Assembly to make the point “Stop Talking, Start Planting.” What will be our answer to Felix? Will there be Bob Dylan’s favorable changes “Blowing in the Wind”, or will our children’s future be shadowed by a different song by Jerry Jeff Walker – “Pissin’ In the Wind”? ----By Susan Sacirbey Find me at Face Book – “Diplomatically Incorrect” and “Diplomat Artist” Twitter - DiplomaticallyX For additional Film Reports: “Charlize Theron – Solidarity with the People of Japan” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/charlize-theron-solidarity-with-peoplejapan/26011 “Michael Douglas Returns – Petition No Nukes” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/michael-douglas-returns-petition-no-nukes/25893 “Christie Brinkley: Nuclear Weapons” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/christie-brinkley-nuclear-weapons/25317 “Nuclear Technology as Energy” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/nuclear-technology-as-energy/24923