Open Nuclear Network hosted a two-day expert workshop on Evaluating and Mitigating Environmental Risks Associated with the DPRK’s Nuclear Programme in Vienna on 17–18 March 2026.
The workshop formed part of a broader research project examining nuclear safety vulnerabilities and environmental risk pathways across the DPRK’s nuclear fuel cycle , including how climate variability, may influence risk. The project is supported by the Korea Foundation.
The workshop brought together a small group of international experts from technical, environmental and policy backgrounds to review and stress-test preliminary findings, exchange insights and provide feedback to strengthen the analytical framework. Discussions focused on identifying key uncertainties, refining environmental pathways and improving the policy relevance of the research for the Korean Peninsula and the wider region.
As part of this collaborative process, the workshop included presentations of the project’s initial findings, followed by structured discussions and scenario-based exercises. Participants examined potential nuclear safety incidents across the nuclear fuel cycle, including uranium mining and milling, enrichment, reactor operations, reprocessing and waste management, as well as nuclear testing and weapons-related risks.
Through scenario testing, participants explored how accidents might unfold in practice, including their environmental, technical and regional implications. These discussions also considered underlying risk drivers, information gaps and potential mitigation and engagement pathways.
The workshop provided an opportunity to integrate diverse expert perspectives, identify analytical gaps and refine the project’s approach. Insights from the discussions will inform the next phase of the research and contribute to a more comprehensive assessment of environmental risks associated with the DPRK’s nuclear programme.
