Dr. Helen Caldicott: "Lessons From Fukushima"

On Tuesday, October 11th at 7pm, Ithaca College welcomes renowned nuclear activist Helen Caldicott M.D., who will be presenting “Lessons from Fukushima: What role should nuclear energy and natural gas extraction play in our energy future?” This lecture will take place in the Hockett Family Recital Hall in the James J. Whalen Center for Music. Recording artist Janet Burgan will present a pre-lecture concert starting at 6:30pm.


The single most articulate and passionate advocate of citizen action to remedy the nuclear and environmental crises, Dr. Helen Caldicott has devoted the last 38 years to an international campaign to educate the public about the medical hazards of the nuclear age and the necessary changes in human behavior to stop environmental destruction.

Dr. Caldicott co-founded the Physicians for Social Responsibility, an organization of 23,000 doctors committed to educating their colleagues about the dangers of nuclear power, nuclear weapons and nuclear war. The Smithsonian has named Dr. Caldicott as one of the most influential women of the 20th Century. She has written for numerous publications and has authored seven books, including “Nuclear Power is Not the Answer” (2006) and “A Desperate Passion: An Autobiography” (1996). Dr. Caldicott’s most recent book is the newly revised and updated “If You Love This Planet: A Plan to Heal the Earth” (2009).

Copies of several of Dr. Caldicott’s books will be available for purchase; Dr. Caldicott will conduct a book signing following her talk. Representatives of local social justice and peace groups have also been invited to table at this event.

Dr. Caldicott’s appearance at Ithaca College is co-sponsored by the departments of Environmental Studies and Sciences and Journalism, Ithaca College “Committed to Change”, Sustainability at Ithaca, with generous financial support from Adelaide P. Gomer.