Environment and Energy, November, 2008

In this report Aaron Shull explores the international legal regimes, both binding and non-binding, that relate to the safety and security of civilian nuclear applications. The areas he considers are the safety of nuclear power plants, radioactive waste management, research reactors, radioactive sources, emergency preparedness and response, and nuclear security. From here the author examines how four different states - Australia, Brazil, Canada and Jordan - have dealt domestically with their international legal obligations relating to such matters. The author concludes by recommending ways to strengthen and integrate the regimes to better cope with the expected global revival in peaceful applications of nuclear energy.