Nuclear waste management and intergenerational aspects

The challenges of nuclear energy are long-lived and inherited to future generations, having significant impacts on the welfare and sustainability of upcoming generations. Particularly, unsolved issues associated with nuclear waste management present a critical necessity for a relationship between decision-makers and the future generation (youth community) – who will deal as well with the inherited nuclear waste of the past generation. The need for intergenerational dialogue on decisions made related to nuclear energy and waste management is essential to ensure that the rights to sustainable development – to meet their needs – are not denied for upcoming generations.

Achieving intergenerational equity is one of the cornerstones of nuclear waste management but given the highly technical level of the debate and the lack of access for young people to nuclear issues, this still remains vague.

During the 2nd workshop that will be held on 10th December, 10:00-12:00 AM CET, via Zoom platform of the capacity-building activities that Youth and Environment Europe (YEE) is bringing to the European youth community in cooperation with the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union, the focus will be on:

• What is the task for future generations in dealing with the nuclear waste inherited by past generations?
• Why is it important to involve the future generation in the issue of nuclear waste management and the nuclear energy debate in general?
• How could the participation of young people be facilitated in a technical discussion like nuclear waste management?
• Lessons learned throughout the years for the intergenerational component of nuclear waste management and nuclear energy in general.

Agenda

Welcoming remarks & open of the workshop panel discussion with:

The importance of  intergenerational dialogue on nuclear waste management/Energy policies, by Jutta Paulus, Member of the European Parliament (Greens/EFA). Estimated time: 15 mins

The burden of radioactive waste inherited to the upcoming generations by Eszter Mátyás, Central European University. Estimated time: 15 mins

A view from a young climate activist. Estimated time: 15 mins

Q&A

Interactive session 

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