Public participation in complex problems: policy framing and nuclear technology

Abstract

Due to the increasing impacts of climate change (extreme weather events of fire, drought, and flood), complex problems of climate change are increasingly concerning to the public and the subject of policy discussions, debate, and action. While nuclear energy provides an important solution to climate change, the risk and policy problem framing around nuclear and climate change have synergies, but also disconnects. Public perceptions surrounding the problems and priorities of policy in relation to climate change, nuclear energy, and small modular reactors are diverse but there are significant differences between provinces, those working within the nuclear industry, and living near a power station. While certain issues in relation to both climate change and nuclear technology warrant public participation and dialogue, others may not require the same level of engagement based on a model of policy framing, science, uncertainty and problem framing. Findings are based on survey and focus groups conducted from 2019-2021, Nuclear science knowledge, experiential knowledge, geographical location, and emotion all influence positions surrounding nuclear energy and SMRs. Policy and problem framing as well as agenda setting are important considerations when inviting public participation in solving complex problems of climate change. This paper demonstrates opportunity for public engagement surrounding nuclear science, nuclear power production, and radiation, within the complex problems of climate change and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Radiation workers and people living near nuclear power stations as well as scientists and the nuclear regulator are well situated to advance this dialogue.