Upcoming webinar hosted by the IAEA
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been working on nuclear issues since its establishment in 1957. As part of the United Nations, the IAEA is all about ensuring the peaceful and safe use of nuclear technology. With staff from over 100 countries, the agency’s mission goes far beyond just nuclear energy – it’s also about managing the waste and protecting the environment for future generations.
One of the IAEA’s key partnerships is with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Together, these two organizations focus on some of the most pressing environmental challenges we face today. One of those areas involves nuclear energy and nuclear waste management. The IAEA and UNEP signed an agreement in 2014 to strengthen their work in areas such as climate change, resource efficiency, and the management of hazardous waste. This collaboration is crucial for helping countries improve their environmental management, reduce their carbon footprints, and keep ecosystems healthy despite the growing impacts of climate change.
Some of the areas where the IAEA and UNEP are making a real difference include:
- Climate Change: Protecting mountain and polar ecosystems.
- Ecosystem Management: Focusing on both land and marine environments.
- Sustainable Resource Use: Sharing knowledge to help countries manage resources more efficiently.
- Waste and Hazardous Substances: Finding safer, more effective ways to handle waste disposal.
- Environmental Policy: Supporting policies that promote sustainability and environmental protection.
Their work is helping countries develop the scientific and technological tools needed to tackle these global issues and manage resources in a way that will support future generations.
For those interested in nuclear waste management, there’s an exciting opportunity coming up. On January 29, 2025 there will be a really interesting webinar, hosted jointly by the International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA) Department of Nuclear Energy, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy, and the Energy Communities Alliance (ECA) will provide information on the Plans, progress and key factors for managing and deposing the spent nuclear fuel in Sweden with stakeholder involvement. This 90-minute session will give those who are interested in learning more a chance to hear from experts and local officials in Östhammar, the Swedish community where a Deep Geological Repository (DGR) is being planned. It’s a great opportunity for anyone in Northwestern Ontario to learn how another community is handling the complex issue of nuclear waste.
The webinar is open to the public and will take place from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Central European Time (9:00 a.m. in Northwestern Ontario and Winnipeg). Be sure to tune in and take part in this interactive session, where you can engage directly with the speakers through a live Q&A.
Don’t miss this chance to hear from the experts leading the way toward sustainable and secure nuclear waste disposal. Register now to secure your spot and participate in this important global conversation.