Evolution of Public Attitudes: Lessons Learned from a Review of Opinion Research on Nuclear Energy

Abstract

After an examination of much of the public opinion research that has been conducted on the issue of nuclear energy over the last few decades, what strikes the author is not what has changed-or evolved to a higher or better state-but rather, how much has stayed fundamentally the same over the years of the nuclear debate. The paper discusses three critical underlying patterns that exist in the data on public attitudes toward nuclear energy. Pointing out, where appropriate, what has changed, but also what has essentially remained constant over time. In addition after presenting each pattern the paper discusses some of its implications for those in the nuclear industry who are striving to "clear the public acceptance hurdle."