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Public Opposition to a Proposed Nuclear Waste Repository in Canada: An Investigation of Cultural and Economic Effects

Author

Listed:
  • Donald W. Hine
  • Craig Summers
  • Mark Prystupa
  • Antoinette McKenzie‐Richer

Abstract

Residents of four northern communities were surveyed about Atomic Energy of Canada Limited's proposal to site an underground repository for high‐level nuclear waste somewhere in the Canadian Shield. Opposition to the repository was relatively strong in all communities, but was strongest among aboriginal respondents. Path analysis revealed that trust in nuclear regulators, faith in science and technology, and anticipated net costs were important mediators of this effect. Aboriginals were less trusting, exhibited less faith in science and technology, and perceived the costs associated with the repository to be higher than their nonaboriginal counterparts. No support was found for the hypothesis that, after controlling for aboriginal status, financially insecure individuals would display greater support for the nuclear waste repository than financially secure individuals. Policy implications for balancing perceived risks and siting needs are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Donald W. Hine & Craig Summers & Mark Prystupa & Antoinette McKenzie‐Richer, 1997. "Public Opposition to a Proposed Nuclear Waste Repository in Canada: An Investigation of Cultural and Economic Effects," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 17(3), pages 293-302, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:riskan:v:17:y:1997:i:3:p:293-302
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1539-6924.1997.tb00867.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Paul Slovic, 1993. "Perceived Risk, Trust, and Democracy," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 13(6), pages 675-682, December.
    2. James Flynn & William Burns & C.K. Mertz & Paul Slovic, 1992. "Trust as a Determinant of Opposition to a High‐Level Radioactive Waste Repository: Analysis of a Structural Model," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 12(3), pages 417-429, September.
    3. Kunreuther, Howard & Easterling, Douglas, 1990. "Are Risk-Benefit Tradeoffs Possible in Siting Hazardous Facilities?," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 80(2), pages 252-256, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Lennart Sjöberg & Britt-Marie Drottz-Sjöberg, 2001. "Fairness, risk and risk tolerance in the siting of a nuclear waste repository," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 4(1), pages 75-101, January.
    2. Michael R. Greenberg & Bryan Williams, 1999. "Geographical Dimensions and Correlates of Trust," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 19(2), pages 159-169, April.
    3. Bryan L. Williams & Sylvia Brown & Michael Greenberg & Mokbul A. Kahn, 1999. "Risk Perception in Context: The Savannah River Site Stakeholder Study," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 19(6), pages 1019-1035, December.
    4. repec:plo:pone00:0037690 is not listed on IDEAS

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