Translated material
Children of the accident
These people from different continents are united by one thing: they were born on the same day with Chernobyl. “Such things” interviewed them that they know about this disaster and what the future world see
Shade tin, sibodan, Nigeria
What do you know about the Chernobyl accident?
- I never heard about it.
Is it necessary to prohibit atomic energy?
- Unfortunately, people do not always know how to manage and treat atomic energy correctly. It is so powerful and potentially dangerous that it cannot be compared with other types of energy. The nuclear power plant is a shy bomb, and no one knows what can provoke an explosion. It can be a human factor, a natural disaster or something completely non-obvious. Therefore, I agree that you can not expose people in danger, atomic energy is not worth these terrible human sacrifices.
What is the most terrible catastrophe in the world over the past 30 years?
-I cannot highlight one thing, but natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods and tsunami, are always very scary and destructive.
Is there a nuclear station in your country?
“I'm not sure about it.” Our government does not disclose this information, unless they signed an agreement with China.
What will you do if alarm sirens sound in the city?
- Usually this is a fire alarm, and I know that it is important to prevent panic, determine where the fire source is, find a way out of the room and run.
Photo: from personal archive What are the main environmental problems in your city and country?
- Of course, this is the problem of air pollution.
How will you celebrate your birthday?
- I never celebrated my birthday before, but I would like to spend this day in an orphanage. I grew up without my mother, my grandmother raised me, and this was a great test for me. When I see orphans who are deprived of the care of mom, dad or grandmother, this breaks my heart. I always ask God for the blessing that I can also bear the mercy of others.
What do you believe in?
“I believe in God, in His Son Jesus Christ, and I believe in love.”
Your main dream? Your achievements?
- I am a clothing designer, and I dream of being among the world -famous fashion designers.
Your achievements?
- One of my greatest achievements is my family. I am a wife and mother of three incredible children!
Stanislav Voruban, Kyiv, Ukraine
What do you know about the Chernobyl accident?
-Once I read a lot and delved into what caused the accident. I know more about serious consequences. This was the world's first case associated with atomic energy. I read a lot about the reasons: the commission made some conclusions in 1986, then there was a new investigation at the end of the collapse of the Soviet Union. This is a wide topic, there is a lot of information on it. It worried me, I came across this event from year to year. From the first grades at school I knew about this day: it was a day of mourning, and it coincided with my birthday.
Is it necessary to prohibit atomic energy?
- It is necessary to prohibit it if there is an alternative. Given the level of danger, you need to direct attention and means to ensure security, modernize and improve what is. In addition to Chernobyl, there was also an accident on Fukushima and yet cases around the world.
What is the most terrible catastrophe in the world over the past 30 years?
- I think Chernobyl was the most global disaster. An earthquake in Japan, terrorist attacks, a lot of things happened, but Chernobyl had the greatest influence on the whole world, unlike more local disasters.
Is there a nuclear station in your country?
- Yes, I have. In the news, information about malfunctions, about stopping power units sometimes slip. Recently there were even small emissions in Zaporozhye.
What will you do if alarm sirens sound in the city?
- I do not know the classifications of sirens and a clear leadership how to behave in case of danger. I did not study this topic, because I think that there is not a very high probability that this will happen to me. From what I once heard, when radiation, it is necessary to increase iodine consumption. You can protect yourself from alpha and beta-particles by closing the windows (glass or foil). From the gamma particles you need to hide in the shelter.
Photo: from personal archive What are the main environmental problems in your city and country?
- These are factories and production with harmful exhausts that are in the city. Two engineering plants operate in Kirovograd, and they are located almost in the city center. In Kirovograd and Kyiv, trees are cut, turning them into pillars. What is the essence of this campaign, I cannot understand. I think this is extremely negatively affecting the ecology. Another problem is river pollution by waste. In Kirovograd, I grew up by the river and in childhood I caught fish. When I began to go to school, all the fish was already transferred.
How will you celebrate your birthday?
-I do not celebrate my birthday from conscious age, from 12-15 years. Perhaps it happened since childhood when everyone had mourning, and I have a birthday. This caused dissonance, and I stopped celebrating my birthday. I spend this day as usual, and my relatives try to somehow congratulate me that I do not really like and annoying. They are used to it.
What do you believe in?
- I am not a believer, I am a logician. I read many books on the topic of religion, psychology of religion, faith and versed in this topic. I read the Bible, Qur'an, Lao Zi. I am a deliberate person, a materialist. I believe that faith is needed for those who do not have enough information.
Your main dream?
- My main dream is that in the country, in the world, at all levels, everything happens in fairness, and not as it is now. I am very interested in this question, I read books on this topic, try to understand how it works, and what needs to be done so that society is fair for everyone.
Your achievements?
- My achievements in the personal sphere - I recently handed over to a candidate for master of sports in Paurlifting and plan to hand over to the master, and then for the international master. On this example, I learned to set goals and follow them. I think this will affect my social activity and my life.
Would you like to visit Chernobyl?
- Certainly! I recently saw information about paid excursions to this zone. I think it will be possible to go soon, this is not far from Kyiv.
What was your birthday? What do you know about him?
- Mom said that it was a very difficult day in her life, since I was born weighing six kilograms, and she was hard with me.
How did you react to Fukushima?
- I remember this happened in 2011. I sat at the TV for several days and followed the news. My reaction is sympathy for people and respect for their work. They built all the infrastructure on such a small island, they just have nowhere to go from him. They try to establish everything, having a very limited territory. This causes great respect. I remember from the news that during this earthquake not a single house collapsed, they built everything so qualitatively that the houses did not crumble from the earthquake. You look at what happens in other countries during earthquakes. The Japanese are great.
Does the government have the right to hide information about such a disaster?
- From the point of view of government, only if this leads to less losses among the population. Only for security reasons and a reduction in panic among the population. It is impossible to hide such information for profit or personal benefit, I am against this.
What do you know about the consequences of radiation?
- Increased radiation background increases the likelihood of mutation in organisms, negatively affects health.
How do you imagine the end of the world?
- I think this is not what you need to represent. Everything needs to be done so that it is not, and there are no situations that can lead to it.
What are you afraid of?
- In addition to universal fear, so that nothing happened to loved ones, I probably are not afraid of anything. Fear is a fear of what has not happened yet. Why be afraid of something that did not happen.
Are you ready to sacrifice your life to save millions?
- I thought about this question. Yes, of course ready. If my life can save a person or many people, I am ready.
Anna Smirnova, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
What do you know about the Chernobyl accident?
- The accident occurred on April 26, 1986 near the city of Pripyat at 1:23 night. The fourth reactor failed, there was an explosion and release of radioactive substances for many kilometers around. A lot of people participated in the elimination of the accident and its consequences, there were victims. There are still people who were participants in this liquidation. When I studied at the university, I was given the task of talking with the victims of the Chernobyl accident, to find out how they live and what they are doing now. People are very offended by the state: they were promised a lot, but little completed. They were promised housing, material assistance, promised to help with treatment, but, unfortunately, they forgot about it over time. All this was supposed to enter the book about the Krasnoyarsk liquidators of the Chernobyl accident. Unfortunately, I do not know whether this book was published or not. We collected these data in 2006, and someone had already passed away by this time, and someone did not make contact very well precisely because the state did not fulfill its promises.
Is it necessary to prohibit atomic energy?
- I think not. Accidents probably happen everywhere. This, of course, is scary, this is an atom. The fact is that we cannot predict what and where can happen. We are not safe from anything, this is life.
What is the most terrible catastrophe in the world over the past 30 years?
- During this time, many misfortunes happened in the world, and it is impossible to compare them. Floods and earthquakes, they all carry away the lives of people. What excites me from recent events is military operations in Ukraine. A lot of victims among civilians.
Is there a nuclear station in your country?
- There is, but I do not have more detailed information.
What will you do if alarm sirens sound in the city?
- Collect documents. You have to be prepared for documents and important things to be in one place. Of course, I would not want to hear anxiety signals. People begin to panic, and it is difficult to respond correctly.
Photo: from personal archive What are the main environmental problems in your city and country?
- In our city recently, a “black sky” regime very often arises - a lot of emissions from factories. You go out of town - the sky is clear, you return to the city - there is a smell and haze. We recently wanted to build a factory of ferroalloys, but the population is categorically against, as they wanted to build it next to the city. We don’t have a very environmental situation, we don’t have to aggravate it.
How will you celebrate your birthday?
-I will celebrate my 30th birthday with friends. There will be about 30 people, adults and children. We will celebrate in nature, arrange barbecue.
What do you believe in?
- I believe in miracles, believe in God, believe in good, I believe in people. I believe that everything depends on us and everything is in our power. Only we ourselves can change our lives.
Your main dream?
- I dream in the near future to get married and give birth to a child. This is probably the biggest dream: I want to become a mother.
Your achievements?
- The most important achievement: I consider myself a good, friendly person. I have great friends, and excellent people surround me. I am always ready to help people. When she studied at the university, she took prizes at the Olympiads in English. I help my sister raise two wonderful girls.
Would you like to visit Chernobyl?
- This is interesting if this does not harm health. Radiation remained there still.
What was your birthday? What do you know about him?
- Mom said that it was a sunny day in Krasnoyarsk, and was Saturday.
How did you react to Fukushima?
- Disaster is very scary. You watch the news and always empathize with people. God forbid someday to experience this on yourself.
Does the government have the right to hide information about such a disaster?
- On the one hand, probably yes, since people will begin to panic, and it is very difficult to ensure order. On the other hand, people have the right to have relevant information and know how serious the consequences can be.
What do you know about the consequences of radiation?
- People receive a large dose of irradiation, this leads to death, or receive serious diseases, including tumors.
How do you imagine the end of the world?
“I don't want to represent him.” When you think about the limbs of life, then goosebumps run around the skin, and I do not want to imagine the end of the world at all. I want to live.
What are you afraid of?
- I'm afraid of death. I'm afraid to lose loved ones. This is the worst.
Are you ready to sacrifice your life to save millions?
- A difficult question. When you think about it, you probably agree to sacrifice yourself, and then fear appears, fear of the end .... The liquidators of the accident went and did their job, without thinking about the consequences, they fulfilled their duty.
Lucas Hayword, Istborn, New Zealand
What do you know about the Chernobyl accident?
- I learned about the accident in Chernobyl when I studied at school. We were told about nuclear energy. I remembered the date of the accident, it was easy: the accident at the nuclear power plant happened in Ukraine on my birthday. There was a huge leak of radiation, and now no one lives on this territory, because there are traces of radiation.
Is it necessary to prohibit atomic energy?
- I do not think that it is necessary to prohibit atomic energy around the world. It can be harmless if you strictly control the entire process. Many reactors were built in the 60s, and they are already outdated, because of this, leaks occur. New reactors are safer. Here, in New Zealand, a nuclear zone. This means that we do not allow atomic vessels, submarines or reactors. We do not need atomic energy, we use other ways to obtain electricity.
What is the most terrible catastrophe in the world over the past 30 years?
- The biggest disaster is poverty. The imbalance between the rich and the poor: the rich became even richer, and the poor became poorer.
What will you do if alarm sirens sound in the city?
- We have only fire alarm here, and I know what to do.
What are the main environmental problems in your city and country?
- New Zealand is a fairly clean and “green” territory. I am proud that we manage to protect it from air pollution and other environmental problems. In the area where I live, they are concerned about the problem of preserving forest animals and successfully cope with this.
How will you celebrate your birthday?
- I think we will have a little drink with friends. Parents also planned dinner with me. I will just spend this day with my family and relatives. It will be great!
Photo: from personal archive What do you believe in?
- I am an atheist, I have no religion, but my mother is very believer, she believes in Jesus Christ. We are talking a lot on religious topics.
Your main dream? Your achievements?
“I dream of just being happy with someone.” Be in a relationship with a girl, marry her, make a family and just be happy. This is my biggest dream.
Your achievements?
- My most achievement is work in the film industry. Do you know that director Peter Jackson was born here and continues to work here? I stared in the series “The Tribe” and in the film “The Lord of the Rings” - it was exciting.
Would you like to visit Chernobyl?
- I read a lot of information about Russia and Ukraine, I am very interested in what is happening there, and, of course, I would be interested to go there, including Chernobyl.
What was your birthday? What do you know about him?
- I was born 10 minutes after April 25. On April 25, we have a day of the defender of the Fatherland, and it was a day off.
How did you react to Fukushima?
- I was shocked. Shortly before this, we had a strong earthquake, the city of Kraistcherch was destroyed. I strongly sympathize with the Japanese in connection with this accident. All this is anxious because we are also in the Pacific Ocean.
Does the government have the right to hide information about such a disaster?
- Of course not. I think the government should be open.
What do you know about the consequences of radiation?
- I do not know very well about this ... I know that radiation leads to oncology, and that this affects the health of subsequent generations.
How do you imagine the end of the world?
- It will be an uprising of cars and computers, they will capture the world.
What are you afraid of?
“I think I'm afraid of myself.” The lack of achievements and goals is my great fear.
Are you ready to sacrifice your life to save millions?
- Of course yes. I think this is very noble and tragic at the same time.
Dario Villanuva Abland, London, Great Britain
What do you know about the Chernobyl accident?
- one of the reactors at the Chernobyl station exploded near Pripyat and there was a huge release of radiation into the atmosphere. It was a terrible nuclear accident in history. Many people living in the neighborhood were badly damaged by radiation disease and its consequences.
Is it necessary to prohibit atomic energy?
- This is a difficult question. Nuclear energy produces less emissions of CO2 and more energy than more popular energy sources, such as coal. But I do not think that it should be very common. I rather see it as basic energy, while we develop renewable energy sources, which in the near future will become cheaper, and most importantly - safer.
What is the most terrible catastrophe in the world over the past 30 years?
- The worst thing that I remember is Tsunami in 2004. At that time I lived in India, and it was terrible.
Is there a nuclear station in your country?
- I now live in the UK, and there are about 15 nuclear stations here. They plan to open another nuclear power plant in the Point Hinkley. I am categorically against the opening of the new station. Часть средств, вкладываемых в строительство новых АЭС, можно было бы использовать для генерации энергии ветра и систем накопления электроэнергии.
Что вы будете делать, если в городе прозвучат сирены тревоги?
— Я не знаю, я не проходил обучения. Думаю, я постараюсь найти подвал с толстыми бетонными стенами или, может быть, спущусь в метро.
Какие главные экологические проблемы в вашем городе и стране?
— Основные проблемы — это подъем уровня моря вследствие изменения климата и загрязнения от автомобилей в городах. Я постоянно езжу на велосипеде, и мне тяжело дышать таким воздухом. Я думаю, что нужно запрещать автомобили в городе.
Photo: from personal archive Как вы будете отмечать свой день рождения?
— Будет пицца и пиво с друзьями! Такой простой и всегда работающий план.
Во что вы верите?
— Люди собираются вместе, чтобы стать тем изменением, которые они хотят увидеть в мире.
Ваша главная мечта? Ваши достижения?
— У меня очень странные мечты, оставлю их при себе.
Ваши достижения?
— Быть независимым и получить хорошее образование, я думаю, это хорошие достижения. У меня своя компания, и я горжусь тем, что все идет хорошо.
Хотели бы вы посетить Чернобыль?
- Yes! Я видел фотографии этого места, и это очень интересно, похоже на машину времени. Природа возвращает себе это место, забирая его у людей.
Каким был день вашего рождения? What do you know about him?
— Я родился в Испании в шесть вечера, мои родители очень переживали, так как очень долго меня ждали, и врачам пришлось помочь мне появиться на свет. Думаю, я просто ленивый.
Как вы отреагировали на Фукусиму?
— Я давно хотел отправиться в путешествие в Японию и, конечно же, был очень обеспокоен этими событиями. У меня есть друзья в Токио, и все мы очень переживали случившееся. Было невероятно увидеть, как японцы быстро восстановились после этой катастрофы.
Имеет ли право правительство скрывать информацию о такой катастрофе?
— В долгосрочной перспективе, безусловно, нет. Возможны ситуации, когда раскрытие всей информации может вызвать массовые беспорядки, но это очень маленькая вероятность. Правительство должно быть максимально прозрачным, так как оно должно служить своим гражданам.
Что вы знаете о последствиях радиации?
— Это вызывает кровотечения, гематомы, потерю волос, тошноту… Это ужасно. В небольших дозах она увеличивает вероятность возникновения онкологии. Никто не должен проходить через это.
Каким вы представляете себе конец света?
— Земля будет поглощена Солнцем. Но я уверен, что человечество исчезнет задолго до этого. Только если мы не научимся путешествовать в идеальные миры и не станем видом, существование которого не зависит от нашей планеты. В противном случае, это будет связано с войной из-за нехватки пресной воды, неурожая и экономических потрясений. А может быть, роботы захватят нас и убьют.
What are you afraid of?
— Искусственного интеллекта, роботов, корпораций, банков.
Готовы ли вы пожертвовать своей жизнью ради спасения миллионов?
- I would love to do it. Это была бы большая честь для меня.
Ромен Оссюст, Париж, Франция
Что вы знаете о Чернобыльской аварии?
— Это была авария на атомной станции в Украине. Произошел взрыв, что привело к огромному выбросу радиоактивных веществ в атмосферу. Огромное количество людей пострадало от последствий радиации.
Надо ли запрещать атомную энергетику?
— Я не уверен в этом, так как это единственно верный способ производить недорогую электроэнергию. Скорее нужно усилить контроль в этой области до тех пор, пока не будет найден более дешевый и безопасный способ получать электроэнергию.
Какая самая страшная катастрофа произошла в мире за последние 30 лет?
— Авария на Фукусиме, на мой взгляд, более страшная катастрофа, чем Чернобыль.Также теракты 11 сентября в Америке и недавние террористические атаки в Париже. Это самое страшное, что случилось во Франции со времен Второй мировой войны. В момент теракта в Париже я был неподалеку и был очень напуган. Я понимаю, что это может случиться снова, но несмотря на это, я чувствую себя здесь вполне безопасно. Все что угодно может случиться, и приходится с этим жить.
В вашей стране есть атомная станция?
— Да, во Франции есть несколько атомных электростанций.
Что вы будете делать, если в городе прозвучат сирены тревоги?
— Мы проходили это. В школе нас учат, что означают различные виды сигналов тревоги. Несколько месяцев назад на работе у нас также были учения по безопасности.
Какие главные экологические проблемы в вашем городе и стране?
— В Париже это загрязнение воздуха, в основном от легковых автомобилей и грузовиков. Это действительно большая проблема, воздух в Париже часто серый, стоит смог.
Photo: from personal archive Как вы будете отмечать свой день рождения?
— Я хочу провести выходные со своим лучшим другом. Мы пойдем на концерт, потом на вечеринку, ну и выпьем немного, конечно же.
Во что вы верите?
— Я атеист. Я не принадлежу ни к одной религии и не верю в Бога. I believe in people.
Ваша главная мечта? Ваши достижения?
— самая большая мечта — стать сценаристом и запустить свое собственное шоу на телевидении. Есть уже несколько идей: один проект о магии, с колдунами и разными странными героями. Вторая — более реалистичная и комичная: про девушку, которая в день свадьбы говорит «нет» жениху и сбегает с незнакомцем.
Мое самое большое достижение — возможно, это написанный мной роман (еще не издан). Это история про друзей и их приключения под воздействием наркотиков.
Элиза Пичинини, Хельсинки, Финляндия
Что вы знаете о Чернобыльской аварии?
— На станции готовили к запуску четвертый энергоблок, но что-то пошло не так, и случился взрыв. Авария была такой сильной и масштабной, что выброс радиоактивных веществ сказался и на некоторых европейских странах. Это случилось за несколько часов до моего рождения. Моя мама часто рассказывала мне о том, как люди в Италии избегали тогда употреблять овощи и молоко из-за возможной радиации.
Надо ли запрещать атомную энергетику?
— Я не эксперт, но мое мнение заключается в том, что мы должны использовать больше «зеленой» энергии. Проблема не только в атомной энергетике, но и в нефтяной промышленности — это сильно загрязняет окружающий мир. Если бы мы использовали больше энергии из других источников (солнце, ветер) и большее ее экономили, то, может быть, и не было бы необходимости в атомной энергетике.
Какая самая страшная катастрофа произошла в мире за последние 30 лет?
— Это, наверное,Чернобыль и Фукусима. Сложно про это говорить, много страшного происходит в нашем мире: войны, террористические атаки. Но это результат осознанной деятельности человека, а то, что случилось в Чернобыле — это скорее всего результат человеческой ошибки, и ты никогда не знаешь, когда и где может рвануть. Меня пугает эта непредсказуемость.
В вашей стране есть атомная станция?
— Я родилась в Италии, и до аварии на Чернобыльской АЭС у нас было несколько станций. Но после Чернобыля, в 1987 году, жители страны проголосовали за закрытие этих станций. В Финляндии, где я сейчас живу, работают четыре реактора.
Что вы будете делать, если в городе прозвучат сирены тревоги?
— Насколько я помню, нужно или бежать в укрытие, или оставаться в помещении и закрыть все окна, слушать радио и ждать дальнейших указаний.
Какие главные экологические проблемы в вашем городе и стране?
— Мне повезло, что я живу в городе (Хельсинки), где люди заботятся об окружающей среде. Многие ездят на велосипедах и пользуются общественным транспортом, и здесь воздух чище, чем в Италии. Все более распространенной проблемой становится эвтрофикация. Это загрязнение водоемов фосфатами, что приводит к росту фитопланктона и, как следствие, к нехватке кислорода для других организмов, живущих в воде.
Photo: from personal archive Как вы будете отмечать свой день рождения?
— Я не люблю шумные праздники, мы с мужем просто сходим поужинать.
Во что вы верите?
— Я выросла в католической стране, но я агностик. Мне нравится думать, что большинство людей хорошие, и когда-нибудь мы сможем изменить мир к лучшему.
Ваша главная мечта?
— Я так счастлива, как складывается моя жизнь сейчас, и моя самая большая мечта, чтобы в будущем было так же хорошо. Сейчас я учусь на медсестру (я биолог по первому образованию), и, конечно, я хотела бы после обучения устроиться на хорошую работу, после этого мы с мужем думаем приобрести дом.
Ваши достижения?
— Я выучила финский язык, и это большое достижение! Это очень сложный язык. Я горжусь собой, я переехала учиться и жить в другую страну и благополучно устроилась на новом месте.
Chernobyl disasters and natural disasters