Nuclear Energy and the Public

On 25-26 April 1986 there was a serious accident at the Chernobyl nuclear reactor deep in the Ukraine. It led to the largest release of radioactivity ever recorded in one technological catastrophe, and public perception of nuclear power was never to be the same again.In this new book Joop van der Pligt presents a mass of compelling evidence succinctly and lucidly, illustrating the use of various social-psychological theories to reveal the public's understanding, and misunderstanding, of issues relating to nuclear energy. Using public opinion research from both Europe and North America, he looks at how people perceive nuclear power and its risks (and at what makes these unacceptable to many people), and also at its perceived costs and benefits. Later chapters deal with public anxieties about the siting of nuclear facilities and about the possible consequences of accidents. Using the accidents at Three Mile Island and Chernobyl as examples, Professor van der Pligt looks at public reactions in the aftermath of serious accidents and at strategies for stress and coping. The final part of the book looks at the role of communication, and suggests that improved communication between the authorities and the public could lead to more acceptable solutions for all involved in the nuclear industry.