Public attitudes to nuclear energy: salience and anxiety

Presents a brief overview of trends and developments of public opinion about nuclear energy since the late 1970's. One possible reason for increased concern is the public's perception of risks. Research has shown a considerable divergence in public and expert assessment of the risks associated with nuclear energy. It is argued that qualitative aspects of these risks play a crucial role in the public's perception of nuclear energy and that reactions such as fear and anxiety are the major determinants of attitudes toward the building of new nuclear power stations in neighborhoods. It is also clear, however, that differences in the perception of these risks do not embrace all the relevant aspects of public acceptance of nuclear energy. Public reaction is also related to more general values and beliefs, and the issue of nuclear energy is firmly embedded in a much wider moral and political domain. A summary of findings in a survey of 300 long-time residents of possible nuclear! power station sites in the UK by the present author (in press) suggests that the major experiences between attitude groups concerned the less-tangible, more long-term nature of potential negative outcomes.