Publication Laka-library:
The threat of nuclear terrorism: from analysis to precautionary measures
Author | Mycle Schneider, WISE Paris |
6-02-0-10-05.pdf | |
Date | December 2001 |
Classification | 6.02.0.10/05 (NUCLEAR TERRORISM - MILITARY ATTACKS) |
Front |
From the publication:
The threat of nuclear terrorism: from analysis to precautionary measures Contribution by Mr Mycle Schneider, Director, WISE-Paris to Democracies Faced with Mass Terrorism Meeting An international meeting organised by Mr Pierre Lellouche, Member of Parliament, Paris, held at the French National Assembly, 10 December 2001. “Today, it can be said that the risks of nuclear terrorism are increasing. The large-scale production and use of plutonium in the form of MOX will lead to plutonium being spread over a large number of facilities. This requires numerous shipments to link the different stages of the process. In parallel, we are facing an appalling radicalisation and an astounding sophistication of certain terrorist groups. The facilities and transportation of plutonium materials will constitute obvious potential targets. The mere fact of not speaking about the dangers will not eradicate them.” Dr Frank Barnaby1 (nuclear physicist) at a press conference organised by WISE-Paris on 21 November 1997 (See Annex 1), on the occasion of the publication of an analysis report on the plutonium and MOX industry2 What has changed since 11 September 2001 For many years, there have been voices attempting to warn of the extraordinary risk that nuclear terrorism represents for humanity. The nuclear sector, like other risk sectors, has always argued that the risk would be acceptable, by means of a simple formula: a potentially very great danger multiplied by a very low probability of occurrence equals an acceptable risk. On 11 September 2001, the world lost the re-assuring factor of low probability. The probability of acts of