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Risk communication surrounding the Fukushima nuclear disaster: an anthropological approach

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  • Pablo Figueroa

Abstract

The Fukushima nuclear disaster highlighted the relevance of effective risk communication strategies for nuclear accidents. Poor risk communication was evidenced during the crisis and its aftermath. The government’s mishandling of radiation issues generated concern in international nuclear agencies as well as widespread anxiety among Japanese citizens. Based on anthropological research, I will argue that among the negative consequences of the government’s inability to deal with public fears are the citizens’ uncertainty and ongoing distrust toward the government, the safety regulators, and the nuclear industry. I will also suggest that such harmful effects can be mitigated by enhancing transparency of the decision-making process and by implementing participative programs where policy makers, stakeholders, and representatives of the local communities can jointly discuss energy production schemes. Copyright Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013

Suggested Citation

  • Pablo Figueroa, 2013. "Risk communication surrounding the Fukushima nuclear disaster: an anthropological approach," Asia Europe Journal, Springer, vol. 11(1), pages 53-64, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:asiaeu:v:11:y:2013:i:1:p:53-64
    DOI: 10.1007/s10308-013-0343-9
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    1. Baruch Fischhoff, 1995. "Risk Perception and Communication Unplugged: Twenty Years of Process," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 15(2), pages 137-145, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Gralla, Fabienne & Abson, David J. & Møller, Anders P. & Lang, Daniel J. & von Wehrden, Henrik, 2017. "Energy transitions and national development indicators: A global review of nuclear energy production," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 1251-1265.
    2. Puppim de Oliveira, Jose A. & Fra.Paleo, Urbano, 2016. "Lost in participation: How local knowledge was overlooked in land use planning and risk governance in Tōhoku, Japan," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 52(C), pages 543-551.
    3. Alexander Belyakov, 2015. "From Chernobyl to Fukushima: an interdisciplinary framework for managing and communicating food security risks after nuclear plant accidents," Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Springer;Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences, vol. 5(3), pages 404-417, September.
    4. Azim, Syeda Saadia & roy, arindam & Aich, Amitava & Dey, Dipayan, 2020. "Fake news in the time of environmental disaster: Preparing framework for COVID-19," SocArXiv wdr5v, Center for Open Science.

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