No geographic survey or seismic studies were carried out before the plant was started. Two reactors are now up and running, but plans for another two at the same site were halted following the demonstrations organized in 1988 by the Lithuanian Greens, an environmental group, and the pro-independence Sajudis movement. Lithuania has no natural fuel resources and consumes twice as much energy as it produces at the Ignalina nuclear station and at a thermoelectric power plant in Elektrenai near Vilnius. Officials do not plan to close down Ignalina, which produces more than half the electricity generated in Lithuania, but, with the help of Swedish and American experts, they are trying to increase the reactors' safety. Little has been done to promote heat and light conservation at home.
Windows are badly fitted and buildings are poorly insulated.
Government attempts to control fuel use during energy shortages have not been successful. Lithuania's forests are already threatened by a burgeoning black market for timber exports, and with the fuel crisis, they will increasingly be looked to for fuel to heat homes during the long, dark days of winter. Wood and peat currently supply about four percent of Lithuania's energy needs. Complete the chart below indicating the environmental problem related to the aspect of the environment listed. Finally, note the effect of this ecological change on humans and their culture.