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Interrogating Technology: Sustainability, Environment and Social Change

One of the main themes of this subject is stakeholder engagement. As you, the students, are key stakeholders in this subject, the teaching staff will be collaborating with you in Week 10 to assign assessment weights to the different components of the task

Instructions

This assessment task involves writing a policy position paper (PPP) on behalf of your assigned stakeholder. As well as a brief summary of your technology issue, and of your stakeholder's power and interest in that issue, you need to propose several policy instruments that serve the interests of your stakeholder. You should describe what these policy instruments would entail, and advocate for how they would serve the interests of your stakeholder (while still being acceptable enough to other stakeholders (i.e. voters) that a government would consider enacting them). You will need to ensure that any assumptions are stated clearly, arguments are supported by evidence from credible sources, and that some practicalities of implementation are considered. Get online assignment help from Ph.D. experts!

Finally, you will need to evaluate your proposed policy instruments, and on that basis recommend which instrument(s) should be prioritised for implementation. This is an individual submission. However, you will have multiple opportunities for feedback - from the feedback you receive on your Stakeholder Consultation assignment, and from several feedback exercises in class. You are expected to incorporate this feedback into your final submission.

Workers' Stake in the Issue

Workers are vital stakeholders in the nuclear energy sector, as they are directly engaged in the construction, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of nuclear facilities. Their stake in the development of nuclear energy centers around four key concerns: workplace safety, employment stability, specialized training, and fair working conditions (International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA], 2021). Here's how workers exert their influence and why their involvement is critical:

Due to the hazardous environment- Exposure to radiation and intricate equipment safety is a top priority. Workers advocate for rigorous adherence to international radiation protection standards, emergency response protocols, and continuous health monitoring. They also participate in safety committees and collaborate with regulators to improve procedures based on real-world experiences (World Nuclear Association, 2023). This helps prevent incidents that could undermine both human wellbeing and public trust in nuclear power.

Nuclear projects directly affect job availability and long-term employment for both skilled and semi-skilled workers. Workers rely on consistent policy support from governments and industry that promotes secure jobs, fair wages, and benefits. Trade unions play a key role in negotiating equitable contracts and advocating for worker rights (ILO, 2022). In regions where nuclear facilities are located, workers also contribute to local economic growth, further reinforcing their societal significance.

As technology evolves, workers seek access to training, apprenticeships, and and pathways to continuous professional development to remain adaptable and employable. This aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, which promotes inclusive, sustained economic growth supported by education and lifelong learning (United Nations, 2023). Ultimately, workers contribute not only to safe operations but also to social sustainability, making their participation crucial in shaping the future of nuclear energy (United Nations, 2020).