Dunlevy, L. (2019, April 5). A Majority of Americans Oppose Nuclear Power. How Does Nuclear ‘Dread’ Affect Their Perceptions? Retrieved from https://psmag.com/news/americans-oppose-nuclear-power-how-does-dread-affect-perceptions.

 

A majority of Americans oppose the use of nuclear power in the United States. There was a study done by San Diego’s Center for Energy Research and Deep Decarbonization Initiative, which analyzed the actual risk of nuclear power compared to the preconceived risks. Two groups were tasked with creating a U.S. electrical system that cut emissions by 12%; one groups energy options listed the name of the source and percent risk, while the other group only got the percent risk. The results showed that respondents were more likely to choose nuclear power as apart of their system when it’s name was not mentioned. There is a silver lining, as these perceptions have proven to be malleable; so education and overall awareness can prove to be beneficial in growing nuclear power. 

We have only recently begun looking for renewable resources as climate change wasn’t in the public’s eye until the late 70’s. It’s going to be difficult finding a solution if we keep throwing out these technologies we already have. There have been issues in the past with nuclear power; and the famous meltdowns have only worsened it’s reputation with the public. There is failure expected with any science, but that is how new technologies are found and upgraded. If we truly want to start effectively reducing our carbon emissions we have to fund the ‘most’ promising solution, nuclear energy. We can see that this won’t be easy with the stigma against nuclear power. The first step must be education and awareness; support from the people is truly what drives change.