Nuclearization and environmental justice

Abstract

This study investigates the adverse impacts of nuclear activities on indigenous populations and identifies strategies for environmental justice. The systematic literature review involved the analysis of 57 articles selected from the Web of Science database. The spatial and historical analysis of nuclear energy reveals a systemic interconnection that ranges from uranium mining to nuclear waste disposal, influencing the global dynamics of supply and demand. The research identified that uranium mining and nuclear waste disposal take place predominantly on indigenous lands, exposing these communities to health risks, environmental degradation and socio-cultural disruption. The United States, Canada and Australia are the main focus of the investigations, with little research in other regions. The study highlights the need for inclusive policies that consider the perspectives of indigenous communities in decision-making processes related to nuclear energy and emphasizes the importance of community engagement and social impact assessment to mitigate negative effects on indigenous populations. The study concludes that although there has been a recent increase in academic interest in these impacts, the amount of research is still limited, especially considering the extent of nuclear operations on indigenous lands.