Public perception and underlying values regarding final disposal of radioactively contaminated soil from a large nuclear accident.

IF 2.7 3区环境科学与生态学 Q3 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES Environmental Management Pub Date : 2025-02-01 DOI:10.1007/s00267-025-02124-2

Momo Takada, Michio Murakami, Susumu Ohnuma, Yukihide Shibata, Tetsuo Yasutaka

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Abstract

Public understanding of the construction of radioactive waste disposal sites, including those for decontamination waste derived from a nuclear accident, is particularly difficult when the disposal site is far from the location in which the waste was generated. Radioactively contaminated soil from the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident is planned for final disposal outside of Fukushima Prefecture by 2045. The purpose of the current study was to identify underlying values influencing public perceptions regarding the final disposal. A total of 40 people were interviewed, including both supporters and opponents of the final disposal policy. The results of quantitative text analysis showed that the opinions of supporters were characterized by perspectives that reflected the Rawlsian maximin principle of sharing the burden of Fukushima and considering the most disadvantaged, while the opinions of opponents were characterized by distrust of the government. Statements of utilitarian perspectives on optimizing the safety and economic aspects of disposal were mentioned regardless of participants' opinions on the disposal policy. The study clarified the relationship between these underlying values and perception of the disposal policy. The results suggested several considerations for the government regarding final disposal: prioritizing public trust, valuing a fair process, and delivering messages that reflect burden of Fukushima. These findings provided valuable insights into public acceptance and stakeholder involvement in cases where a disposal site is far from the location in which the waste is generated.

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来源期刊

Environmental Management 环境科学-环境科学

CiteScore

6.20

自引率

2.90%

发文量

178

审稿时长

12 months

期刊介绍： Environmental Management offers research and opinions on use and conservation of natural resources, protection of habitats and control of hazards, spanning the field of environmental management without regard to traditional disciplinary boundaries. The journal aims to improve communication, making ideas and results from any field available to practitioners from other backgrounds. Contributions are drawn from biology, botany, chemistry, climatology, ecology, ecological economics, environmental engineering, fisheries, environmental law, forest sciences, geosciences, information science, public affairs, public health, toxicology, zoology and more. As the principal user of nature, humanity is responsible for ensuring that its environmental impacts are benign rather than catastrophic. Environmental Management presents the work of academic researchers and professionals outside universities, including those in business, government, research establishments, and public interest groups, presenting a wide spectrum of viewpoints and approaches.