The world is increasing its reliance on nuclear energy. For many people, that is a dangerous development. For many others, it is the only responsible choice. The truth is energy-policy decisions are becoming increasingly difficult. A national debate -- in Japan and elsewhere -- is a necessity. Ultimately, however, solutions to some of the most pressing problems will be taken at the international level. But those debates must begin soon. Many of the most challenging problems are already evident.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, nuclear energy production climbed nearly 4 percent worldwide last year, and now accounts for more than 16 percent of the electricity generated. Thirty countries, plus Taiwan, have nuclear power plants. At the end of last year, 438 nuclear plants were in operation across the globe. Another 32 reactors were being built in 2001, mostly in Asia and Europe. The IAEA forecasts nuclear capacity will grow between 4 percent and 7 percent by 2005, and between 7 percent and 15 percent by 2010. Most of the growth is expected to take place in Asia and Central and Eastern Europe.

Nuclear energy plays an important role in Japan, the world's fourth-largest energy consumer and the second-largest importer (trailing only the United States). Cognizant of the vulnerabilities created by dependence on foreign energy sources, Japan doubled its nuclear energy production between 1985 and 1996. Nuclear plants supply 15 percent of Japanese electricity (putting it third in nuclear energy production behind France and the U.S.), and that percentage is expected to double again by 2030. There are currently 51 nuclear plants in use, and the industry plans to build nine to 12 more.