Thirty-six years ago today was the world's worst nuclear disaster when the fourth reactor of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in what is now the Ukraine exploded. During the time of the disaster, Ukraine was part of the Union of Soviet Socialists Republics, otherwise known as the Soviet Union. In the disaster, two engineers died instantly. Twenty-eight died within a few months due to burns and radiation poisoning. Radiation fallout affected much of Western Europe, with reports of around 100 radiation-induced cancer deaths. Some studies have predicted up to 27,000 fatalities worldwide due to the disaster. The ongoing nuclear clean-up is scheduled for completion by 2065. What caused this horrible event? Many cite poor leadership, inadequate procedures, operator negligence, lack of a safety culture, and reactor design flaws. Most recently, Russian troops invading the Ukraine have dug foxholes and trenches in the contaminated soil near Chernobyl and its soldiers are experiencing signs of radiation exposure. This sad day in history 36-years ago reminds us negligence and ignorance of both human action and inaction can have disastrous effects on our environment. I encourage you to consider the impact that you have on our Earth and tread lightly.
As an American, I will do my best to -
Be clean in my outdoor manners.
Be careful with fire.
Be considerate in the outdoors.
Be conservation minded.
A Scout is Thrifty and a Scout is Kind.