"核のごみ処分､｢北欧モデル｣は幻想に過ぎない," 18 July 2024

[Unofficial description by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre]

Following Hokkaido, a literature survey on the selection of a disposal site for high-level radioactive waste has begun in Genkai Town, Saga Prefecture. However, the acceptance of this survey has been criticised as a "denial of democracy" and "absence of residents." Even though academic experts have repeatedly expressed concerns regarding nuclear waste disposal, the survey to select a disposal site is proceeding in various places without any scientific discussion.

In Finland, where the a disposal site has been decided, the decision was made democratically by guaranteeing residents an opportunity to express their opinions in the environmental impact assessment, said expert Satoshi Sahara.

However, the Finnish researchers say doubts remain about whether environmental impact assessments actually have an influence on the decision-making process.