Going forward ― only a matter of time

摘要

In finding a sustainable way forward for radioactive waste management it is necessary to consider whether to take action now to avoid future costs or to delay action in order to keep options open. Solutions must recognise that uncertainty increases over time and that human perception is limited to at most two generations. Formulation of policy must take account of different time frames and seek a consensus based on guiding principles. The policy process must be open, accessible and fair and ways of achieving this are considered. In terms of time, policy-making for radioactive waste should be conceived as a continuing process in which proposals are monitored and reviewed linking present and future together.