Nuclear energy - perspectives, problems and promises

Abstract

Nuclear energy is currently responsible for the generation of approximately 17% of electricity in the world and this proportion is increasing. Despite an outstanding safety record in comparison with other major energy generation technologies, the public image of nuclear power is poor. this is probably due, in part, to the inevitable association between nuclear energy and nuclear weapons. It also arises because of the almost uniformly negative treatment of nuclear issues by the media. The author emphasises that the increased use of nuclear energy depends far more on the ability of its proponents to convince the public of its acceptability, than on technological developments. The public therefore needs to be informed about both positive and negative aspects of nuclear energy, and of other forms of energy generation, and to be exposed to arguments both for and against these technologies. If this is to occur, it is of fundamental importance that the media adopt a fair and balanced approach to the reporting of nuclear issues. © 1989 CSIRO.