DECLARATION
from the European anti-nuclear manifestation
in Helsinki in November 2007.
Opposing generation of nuclear power
-
On November 9th - 11th 2007 more than 140 energy, uranium mining and nuclear waste experts and NGO representatives from Austria, Belgium, Belarus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United States and Finland gathered in Helsinki for the international "European Nuclear-Critical Conference". The following declaration was agreed upon:
-
Nuclear power is not a solution to energy demands of humanity and cannot provide a sustainable concept for energy problems that are faced now and in the future. Moreover the whole nuclear energy cycle from uranium mining to handling the spent fuel causes great risks and threatens countless future generations. Climate change is a far-reaching consequence of human activities and nuclear power cannot provide a solution to this problem. It is dishonest to promote nuclear energy by arguing that it is free of CO2 emissions, since the nuclear industry does not include in their CO2 calculations every step of the nuclear fuel cycle, starting with uranium mining and ending with the spent fuel disposal.
-
Our governments must urgently take concrete action for energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. Examples from Denmark, Spain and recently Scotland show that it is possible to reject new nuclear plans and instead invest in renewable energies. This will increase employment and economic prosperity both in domestic and foreign markets.
-
History has shown the negative impacts of uranium mining and milling on the environment and human health. The nuclear industry has violated human rights throughout the world, especially on lands and territories of Indigenous People where uranium is mined.
-
Because of long term health risks induced by ionising radiation (cancers, genetic problems and other diseases), the implementation of regulations in the area of radioprotection should be made by independent experts, without pressure from the nuclear proponents. A recent German study reported at the conference in Helsinki showed significantly increased risks of childhood cancer near nuclear power plants.