Exploring the Impacts of the Chernobyl Disaster
The Disaster that changed the world
Click on the icons on the map to learn more about the Chernobyl Reactor.
Click on the icons on the map to learn more about the city of Pryp'yat'.
Impacts
Chernobyl caused international damage and cost thousands of lives. It left the Ukrainian city of Pryp’yat abandoned and taken over by nature. But it caused the world to realize the need for greater nuclear safety and led to the cooperation of nations across the world. It has led to innovation and allowed nuclear power to reappear as one of the best investments for many countries. It was the largest nuclear accident to ever occur and because of its impact on our world, we will never see another one like it.
Summary
Chernobyl was a Nuclear Reactor built by the USSR and Ukrainian government. After ignoring the advice of the United Kingdom, they chose to build the RBMK reactor for its high energy output, not accounting for the damage it would cause. After many malfunctions with safety protocols and issues from the workers, the reactor exploded spreading radiation thousands of meters into the sky. Emergency services were contacted but it was too late. The radiation continued to spread, eventually reaching northern parts of Europe, Russia, and the U.S. It caused the world to realize the safety issues with nuclear power, and many countries wanted to end nuclear power, but it already had such a high reliance upon it. Nuclear safety was forced to advance and led to international cooperation and innovation in nuclear power. Chernobyl allowed nuclear power to become reliant and safe for use around the world.