Nuclear-free zone
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A nuclear-free zone is an area in which nuclear weapons and nuclear power plants are banned. The
specific ramifications of these depend on the locale in question, but are generally distinct from nuclear-
weapon-free zones, in that the latter only bans nuclear weapons but may permit nuclear power.
Nuclear-free zones usually neither address nor prohibit radiopharmaceuticals used in nuclear medicine
even though many of them are produced in nuclear reactors. They typically do not prohibit other nuclear
technologies such as cyclotrons used in particle physics.
Several sub-national authorities worldwide have declared themselves "nuclear-free". However, the label
is often symbolic, as nuclear policy is usually determined and regulated at higher levels of government:
nuclear weapons and components may traverse nuclear-free zones via military transport without the
knowledge or consent of local authorities which had declared nuclear-free zones.
Palau became the first nuclear-free nation in 1980.[1] New Zealand was the first Western-allied nation to
legislate towards a national nuclear free zone by effectively renouncing the nuclear deterrent.[2]
Nuclear-free zone by geographical areas
Antarctica
The Antarctic Treaty System banned military activity on the continent, effective in 1961, and suspended
territorial claims. A nuclear reactor provided electricity for McMurdo Station, operated by the United
States in the New Zealand Antarctic Territory from 1962 to 1972.[citation needed]
Australia
Many Australian local government areas of Australia have passed anti-nuclear weaponry legislation;
notable among these are Brisbane, capital of Queensland, which has been nuclear weapon free since
1983, and the South and North Sydney councils. Fremantle in Western Australia was the first council to
declare itself a nuclear free zone in 1980. The continuing presence of nuclear armed and powered
warships in the city's port led to many protests during the 1980s and 1990s.[3] However the passage of
such legislation is generally considered just a symbolic measure.[4] The majority of councils which have
passed anti-nuclear weaponry legislation are members of the Australian Nuclear Free Zones and Toxic
Industries Secretariat which has 44 member councils.[5]
In 1998, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act outlawed all construction and
operation of nuclear power plants, nuclear fuel fabrication plants, and all other nuclear power in all
Australian states and territories.[6] All nuclear power concerns in Australia are handled by the Australian
Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency.
Austria
Austria is a nuclear free zone, when a nuclear power station was built during the 1970s at Zwentendorf,
Austria, start-up was prevented by a popular vote in 1978. The completed power plant is now marketed
as a shooting location for film and television.[7] On July 9, 1997, the Austrian Parliament voted
unanimously to maintain the country's anti-nuclear policy.[8]
Ironically, the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency is located in Vienna, and the IAEA
maintains nuclear laboratories both in Vienna and Seibersdorf.[9] The IAEA has also established programs
to assist nuclear energy projects in developing countries.
Austria's anti-nuclear stance also causes tension with its nuclear neighbors. Vienna is located close to the
Czech reactor at Temelin, and four reactors are being built in neighboring Slovakia and two in
neighboring Hungary.[10]
