From Containing the Atom to Mitigating Residual Risk: The German Imaginary of Nuclear Emergency Preparedness

Grounded in a social scientific research approach, the present case study traces the shift in the German nuclear regulatory culture from prevention to preparedness, the latter of which built upon decision support systems for nuclear emergency management. These systems integrate atmospheric dispersio...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Tudor B. Ionescu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2020-11-01
Series:Atmosphere
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/11/12/1302
Description
Summary:Grounded in a social scientific research approach, the present case study traces the shift in the German nuclear regulatory culture from prevention to preparedness, the latter of which built upon decision support systems for nuclear emergency management. These systems integrate atmospheric dispersion models for tracing radioactive materials released accidentally from nuclear facilities. For atmospheric dispersion modelers and emergency managers, this article provides a critical historical perspective on the practical, epistemic, and organizational issues surrounding the use of decision support systems for nuclear emergency management. This perspective suggests that atmospheric dispersion models and technologies are embedded within an entire assemblage of institutions, technologies, and practices of preparedness, which are challenged by the uniqueness of each nuclear accident.
ISSN:2073-4433