Today I learned about a huge metal sarcophagus that was moved in place over the damaged reactor that caused the Chernobyl disaster. The new enclosure is meant to contain the radiation and begin the process of making the area safe again. The Chernobyl disaster showed the world how dangerous nuclear reactors can be when not handled properly. About six months after the reactor meltdown a steel congregate box was built around the reactor but didn't last very long before it started to break down. This new containment shield should last around 100 years before needing to be replaced and hopefully by then the radiation levels have gone back to safe levels.
In a weird twist of fate nature and life hasn't gone away in Chernobyl it has thrived. Many populations of endangered species now live in the zone without a threat from humans. Marsh lands have returned after being transformed in the late 1920's by Stalin and his plans for mass cooperative farming. It is really interesting to see what will happen to the world we will leave behind especially how nature will reclaim what is rightfully hers.
What do you think about Chernobyl and the new shield?