Triggers for policy change: the 3.11 Fukushima meltdowns and nuclear policy continuity

Aldrich, Daniel P.; Forester, Summer; Hörhager, Elisa

doi:10.1080/09644016.2018.1510216

Cited by 13 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…Accordingly, when many people are affected by natural hazards and are in favour of more expansive DRR measures, authorities would be more likely to opt to increase DRR measures. A recent study on the reduction of nuclear power after the Fukushima meltdowns supports the positive impact of civil liberty rights and accountability mechanisms on policy change after a disaster (Aldrich, Forester, & Horhager, 2019).…”

Section: Drivers Of Change In National Disaster Governancementioning

confidence: 94%

Drivers of Change in National Disaster Governance under the Hyogo Framework for Action

Wanner

2020

PaG

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Many suggestions have been made on what motivates countries to expand their measures for disaster risk reduction (DRR), including the frequency and severity of natural hazards, accountability mechanisms, and governance capacity. Despite the fact that theoretical arguments have been developed and evidence collected from small-scale case studies, few studies have attempted to explain the substantial variation in the adoption of DRR measures across countries. This study combines available data on DRR measures, natural hazard events, governance, and socioeconomic characteristics to provide a systematic assessment of the changes that have occurred in the state of DRR at the national level. In line with theoretical explanations, there are indeed associations between several measures of frequency and severity and the development of DRR status. Additionally, voice and accountability mechanisms, as well as development aid, might facilitate positive change. Although these first results of a global comparative study on change in DRR have to be taken cautiously, it is a step forward to understanding the drivers of change at the national level.

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Section: Drivers Of Change In National Disaster Governancementioning

confidence: 94%

Drivers of Change in National Disaster Governance under the Hyogo Framework for Action

Wanner

2020

PaG

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“…While pro‐nuclear scientists had long reinforced Japan's nuclear safety myth by insisting that a Chernobyl‐like accident was impossible, the meltdowns at three of the Fukushima Dai‐ichi nuclear power plants shook public confidence and eroded trust among the people (Aldrich et al, 2018; Aldrich, 2019). Where before Fukushima some two thirds of the broader public had supported the concept of expanding nuclear power—and government white papers had envisioned Japan using nuclear power for 50% of electricity production—Fukushima caused a sea change in public opinion.…”

Section: Changing Roles In Nuclear Powermentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The nuclear renaissance that U.S., French, and Japanese industry advocates had expected did not arrive. Instead, this “Fukushima Effect” mobilized domestic civil society movements in Germany, Belgium, South Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan which organized, demonstrated, and elected new officials to adopt nuclear‐free national energy policies (Aldrich, Forester, & Horhager, 2018; Ming‐sho, 2014; Su, Wu, Liao, Lee, & Tsao, 2015). These movements have led to cities and local governments leading the charge for carbon emissions reduction, promises to adopt 100% renewables, and the installation of many renewable energy projects.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Fukushima effect at home: The changing role of domestic actors in Japanese energy policy

Fraser

Aldrich

2020

WIREs Climate Change

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This paper reviews the changing role of domestic political institutions, including local governments and courts, in Japan's energy policy over the 8 years since the Fukushima disaster, focusing on the nuclear and renewable power industries. We explain how a variety of hidden subsidies created financial dependency in communities hosting nuclear power plants and led to local officials hoping to restart nuclear power plants after the meltdowns despite wide‐scale opposition. Later, the introduction of a feed‐in tariff (FiT) brought a wider range of towns into the field of renewable energy, but vulnerable towns with weaker social networks continue to bear a large share of Japan's energy infrastructure. Courts, prefectures, and local firms have become intervening agents in the renewable energy market, but utilities have pushed back, encouraging the state to overturn the FiT and create auctions for renewable power contracts instead. With subnational governments and courts more powerful in energy policy since the meltdowns, and a variety of new actors involved in renewable energy, post‐Fukushima energy policy has become more democratized. This article is categorized under: The Carbon Economy and Climate Mitigation > Decarbonizing Energy and/or Reducing Demand

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“…In part, this reflects challenges caused by the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima Dai-ichi complex 5,6 . After the disaster, Japan shut down its nuclear plants, and reliance on fossil fuels increased from 65% to 84% of the energy mix 7 .…”

Section: Japan's Opportunity To Leadmentioning

confidence: 99%

Japan’s opportunity to lead

2019

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Triggers for policy change: the 3.11 Fukushima meltdowns and nuclear policy continuity

Cited by 13 publications

References 26 publications

Drivers of Change in National Disaster Governance under the Hyogo Framework for Action

Drivers of Change in National Disaster Governance under the Hyogo Framework for Action

The Fukushima effect at home: The changing role of domestic actors in Japanese energy policy

Japan’s opportunity to lead

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