Title: Risk governance advances in Europe across radioactive waste and other risk fields

Authors: Marc Poumadere, Claire Mays, Beatriz Arantes

Addresses: Institut Symlog, 262 Rue Saint-Jacques, 75005 Paris, France; ENSMP, France. ' Institut Symlog, 262 Rue Saint-Jacques, 75005 Paris, France. ' Institut Symlog, 262 Rue Saint-Jacques, 75005 Paris, France; Universite Rene Descartes, Paris 5, France

Abstract: We present in this work the current advances in European risk governance across several risk fields. First, the general picture of risk governance is introduced, along with the goals and structure of the Riskbridge research project. Then, a summary of five of the six risk fields considered for that project is provided in a risk governance perspective: biotechnology/stem cells, nanotechnology, climate change, sediment and electromagnetic fields. A complete analysis is provided for the sixth risk field, radioactive waste, including a brief characterisation, the main policy issues and examples/experiences of risk governance (risk assessment, management and communication). Riskbridge proposes a process-based learning approach to improve risk governance practices, in particular, in the science-policy interface.

Keywords: policy learning; risk governance; radioactive waste; biotechnology; stem cells; nanotechnology; climate change; sediment; electromagnetic fields; Europe; risk management; nuclear waste; nuclear energy; nuclear power; risk assessment; risk communication.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNGEE.2008.018335

International Journal of Nuclear Governance, Economy and Ecology, 2008 Vol.2 No.2, pp.175 - 190

Published online: 16 May 2008 *

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