As the Government next week begins its major review on the future of energy, an extensive survey published today (17th January) of the British public's attitudes towards future energy options shows that just over 50% may be prepared to accept new nuclear power stations if it would help to tackle climate change. But few actively prefer the nuclear option over alternatives such as renewable sources and greater energy efficiency. Most people believe that promoting renewable energy sources (78%), and reducing energy use through lifestyle changes and energy efficiency (76%) are better ways of tackling climate change than nuclear power.
Part of the government's impending energy review will consider whether the UK needs to replace its ageing nuclear power stations as one contribution towards achieving its climate change objectives. Professor Nick Pidgeon, who led the survey research team, explained that "the government has already recognised the need to take public acceptability into account when exploring our future energy options. However, almost nothing is known about how ordinary people are responding to the new debate about nuclear power and climate change. This new research helps us to understand public views on this critical question".
Carried out jointly by researchers from the Centre for Environmental Risk and the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at the University of East Anglia, in conjunction with Ipsos MORI. The survey reveals:
The detailed survey findings, which will be discussed at a meeting this morning (17th January) at the Royal Society in London, include the following:
On Climate Change
Professor Nick Pidgeon added "The survey findings suggest that, given the numbers who are still opposed to renewal of nuclear power, there remains considerable potential for conflict around this issue. Additionally, many of those who do accept new nuclear power for Britain do so only reluctantly, and only if renewables and other strategies are developed and used alongside. Ordinary people have a more sophisticated understanding of energy futures than many decision makers like to believe. This wider context is something which the government should take very seriously during its own review."
The research was jointly funded by The Leverhulme Trust ( www.leverhulme.org.uk ), the Economic and Social Research Council ( www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk ) and The Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research ( www.tyndall.ac.uk )
For further information or to arrange an interview with Professor Nick Pidgeon, please contact Nicola Barrell at the UEA press office: tel: 01603 593007, e-mail: n.barrell@uea.ac.uk . Alternatively contact Asher Minns at the Tyndall Centre: tel 07880 547 843.