Society and Nuclear Energy: Towards a Better Understanding

While signs of a possible nuclear energy renaissance are visible worldwide, it is highly important to understand better the views of civil society on nuclear technologies, how their risks are perceived, and how to establish effective communication between all stakeholders aiming at enhancing consensus building prior to decision making.

This report is based upon an in-depth analysis of research work and published literature on risk perception and communication , public participation in policy and decision making and the evolution of public opinion on nuclear energy. It will be of interest to policy makers, governmental agencies and industry. Additionally, members of civil society and various stakeholders eager to learn more about social issues related to the development of nuclear energy will find relevant information in this report.

The entire report (pdf format, 233 kb) can be downloaded in one file.

Table of contents

Foreword

1. Introduction

• Background
• Objectives
• Scope of the report
• Working method and structure of the report
• Other relevant OECD studies and activities

2. Evolution of society and energy issues

• Introduction
• Changes in society affecting nuclear energy
• Social awareness of environmental issues
• Evolution of the economic landscape
• Man-made and human resource requirements
• Nuclear energy issues of social relevance

3. Risk perception and communication

• Introduction
• Risk and risk perception
• Tolerability of risk
• Public acceptance of the technical approach
• From quantitative to qualitative assessment of risk
• Main factors affecting risk perception and acceptance
• Perception of risks from nuclear energy

4. Public involvement in nuclear decision making

• Introduction
• Rationale behind public involvement in nuclear energy decision making
• Examples of current innovation in organising public participation
• Public and planning
• Process and acceptance criteria for public involvement

5. Developments in decision-making research

• Introduction
• Institutional decision-making processes
• Decision-support processes
• Behavioural perspectives on supporting decision making

6. Review of public opinion surveys in some member countries

• Introduction
• Opinion polls
• General findings
• Attitudes towards various energy forms
• Attitude towards nuclear energy
• Differences in attitudes towards nuclear energy between population groups
• Attitudes towards the future of nuclear energy
• Aspects of nuclear energy raising most concerns
• Public participation in decision making
• Who does the public trust?

7. Preliminary findings and recommendations

The entire report (pdf format, 233 kb) can be downloaded in one file.

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