What happens to the NIMBY syndrome when we bring money to the table? A qualitative perspective on attitudes towards local nuclear waste repository

Abstract

Nuclear waste repository constitutes a great predicament in many countries. In Sweden, the Not- In-My-Backyard (NIMBY) syndrome has been rampant, as local opposition has blocked the attempts at storing nuclear waste at numerous occasions. If the dilemma is to be settled, the voice of the public must be heard. From a qualitative perspective, this thesis examines public reactions towards local nuclear waste repositories. When allocating unwanted facilities, the distribution of costs and benefits is regularly perceived as unfair by the local residents. This thesis, therefore, explores the effect of offering individuals a monetary compensation in exchange for living near a perceived nuisance. With the methodological approach of long interviews, several lines of reasoning are characterized. It was found that individuals opposing the local facility siting argued on the basis of a critique towards the scientific community, by voicing a great anxiety of potential health hazards. This line of reasoning was split in two, when compensation was offered. Some were inclined to accept the facility in exchange for a compensation, while others were not. A different line of reasoning is displayed by those with a positive attitude towards the thought of their community hosting the facility, with or without compensation. Emphasizing a trust in the scientific community, these individuals felt at ease with the prospect of a local nuclear waste disposal.