[cdn-nucl-l] dispelling myths of nuclear waste in Europe

["Adam McLean" <adam.mclean@utoronto.ca>]

Posted in the Environmental Data Insteractive Exchange on February 5,
2002 and at:
http://www.edie.net/gf.cfm?L=left_frame.html&R=http://www.edie.net/news/
Archive/5127.cfm
Euroelectric does not seem to have a web page but does publish a
newsletter in Italian at http://www.koster.it/Euroelectric/index.asp.

Adam

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European electric industry body sets out to dispel myths of nuclear
waste

A new report by Eurelectric makes an appeal for less emotion in the
debate surrounding nuclear waste, and an improvement in the information
channels available to the public on the issue of 'radwastes'.

"Radwaste is an issue where the technical solutions most definitely
exist," says the report. "Implementation of these solutions should go
hand in hand with more and better communication to obtain consensus and
political acceptance." 

Nuclear power has made a significant contribution to both energy supply
security and to reducing electricity-related carbon dioxide emissions,
but is nevertheless often criticised because of the radioactive waste
that it produces, says Eurelectric. "Political support for the existing
technological solutions and ongoing improvements will not be forthcoming
without general public acceptance, which in turn requires clear
information," says Eurelectric. This is an important point, which needs
to be addressed by the electricity industry, says the organisation. 

When deciding on the location of nuclear waste repositories,
communication programmes are indispensable to explain what will really
happen and the significance for the local population and environment.
Citizens have the right to expect that scientists and technicians will
explain, clearly and understandably, what they are doing, say the
report's authors.