The social and economic driving forces behind the human activities leading to inputs of radioactive substances into the marine environment
Society’s need for energy, industrial processes, health and wellbeing and national security have resulted in past and present human activities that have led to the introduction of radionuclides to the marine environment.
Society’s need for energy:
Society and the economy are dependent on reliable energy supplies. Both the nuclear sector and the oil and gas sub-sector, which contribute to the energy mix of Contracting Parties, result in discharges of radioactive substances to the OSPAR Maritime Area.
Society's need to mitigate the effects of climate change:
There is a recognised need to urgently reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Some Contracting Parties consider that nuclear technologies (nuclear fission and potentially nuclear fusion) have a role to play in fulfilling this need and have national policies that include the use of nuclear energy to aid decarbonisation ambitions.
Society’s need for industrial processes:
Activities and associated infrastructure on land for industrial uses, including manufacturing, processing and storage of raw materials. Industrial activities within the non-nuclear sector can result in discharges of radioactive substances to the OSPAR Maritime Area.
Nuclear plant in Germany. © Shutterstock
Society’s need for health and wellbeing:
Radioactive substances used for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes can lead to discharges of radioactive substances to the OSPAR Maritime Area.
Society’s need for national security:
Radioactive substances are used in various military applications to contribute to national security and defence.