Radiological protection of the environment

from an NGO perspective

Simon CarrollSimon.Carroll@cbm.slu.se

SESSION 9: Environmental Protection

Introduction

• Term “NGO” applies to a wide range of organisations

• Not many environmental NGOs active specifically in the radiological protection field – c.f Yves Marignac, NEA workshop,

Helsinki, January 2008

S. Carroll - Radiological protection of the environment from an NGO perspective

My position: an “independent” expert (with an NGO background in nuclear issues)

Perceptual issues

• IAEA in “permanent conflict of interest” when dealing with radiological protection (protection vs promotion)

S. Carroll - Radiological protection of the environment from an NGO perspective

Justified or not, these perceptions will influence how proposals on radiological protection of the environment are received.

• ICRP a “private agency comprised of nuclear advocates”

Environmental NGO views (1)

• Are warily positive towards the new focus on radiological protection of the environment

• May bring different perspectives to bear on the issue of radiological protection and the environment

S. Carroll - Radiological protection of the environment from an NGO perspective

Environmental NGO views (2)

Have concerns about the:

• precise meaning of the term radiological protection of the environment

• scope of the system being developed

• ultimate objectives of the current initiatives

S. Carroll - Radiological protection of the environment from an NGO perspective

What is meant?• No clear, common

understanding of what is meant by “radiological protection of the environment”

• What is understood by the term will have a profound influence on the:– type of system considered

necessary & appropriate– tools needed to implement it

S. Carroll - Radiological protection of the environment from an NGO perspective

Scope (1)

• May contribute to a better understanding of the possible impacts on organisms

• Useful for helping assess the impacts of past or ongoing releases to the environment

S. Carroll - Radiological protection of the environment from an NGO perspective

Positive aspects of a “reference organism” approach:

Scope (2)

• May prove inadequate to cover the full range of biodiversity at scales ranging from the genetic to that of the ecosystem

S. Carroll - Radiological protection of the environment from an NGO perspective

Negative aspects of a “reference organism” approach

• Too narrow & focused to provide a framework for effective protection

Scope (3)“radiological protection of selected biota”

may not deliver

“protection of the environment”

S. Carroll - Radiological protection of the environment from an NGO perspective

Effective protection of ecosystems cannot be realised through a selective organism-based reference system.

Aspects of a protection system• Compatible with the broader

principles and conceptual approaches in other areas of environmental protection

• Address all aspects of pollution • Applicable in a multi-pollution

context, with multiple stressors on organisms and ecosystems

• Consider the abiotic environment

S. Carroll - Radiological protection of the environment from an NGO perspective

• An ecosystem-based & precautionary approach• Environmental protection in the context of sustainable development - an integral part of the development process

Systems in transition

London Convention (dumping at sea)OSPAR Convention (discharges into the marine environment)

• Originally, focus on limiting consequences, by pollutant • New system centred on preventing pollution and protecting

ecosystems– preventing inputs of any material which, by its nature and properties,

could give rise to harm to the marine environment (London Convention)– progressive and substantial reductions of discharges, emissions and

losses of substances (OSPAR) – system of protection for the ecosystem as a whole– parallel approach for all inputs (radioactive / non-radioactive)

S. Carroll - Radiological protection of the environment from an NGO perspective

1970s-1990s: pollution; assimilative capacity

1990s-2000s: ecosystems; precaution (multiple stressors / biodiversity / resilience)

Building a system of protection • A comprehensive approach is needed for:

– an effective system for protection of the environment – a framework for decision-making for nuclear activities & the

environment

• Draw on developments and experience across a range of disciplines, industrial sectors and human activities

• Use an ecosystem-based and precautionary approach• Reference organism approach could play a part

S. Carroll - Radiological protection of the environment from an NGO perspective

Ultimate objectives (1)

The fundamental safety objective is to protect people and the environment from harmful effects of ionizing radiation.

S. Carroll - Radiological protection of the environment from an NGO perspective

Ultimate objectives (2)

This fundamental safety objective of protecting people... and the environment has to be achieved without unduly limiting the operation of facilities or the conduct of activities that give rise to radiation risks.

S. Carroll - Radiological protection of the environment from an NGO perspective

Applying a system of protection• In order to be sustainable,

development needs to be undertaken fully within the framework of environmental protection

• Protection of the environment should not be curtailed to facilitate nuclear programmes

• Need to demonstrate that nuclear programmes meet the required standards

S. Carroll - Radiological protection of the environment from an NGO perspective

Thank you!

Simon.Carroll@cbm.slu.se

S. Carroll - Radiological protection of the environment from an NGO perspective