Nuclear power: renaissance or relapse? Global climate change and long-term Three Mile Island activists' narratives.
Community narratives are increasingly important as people move towards an ecologically sustainable society. Global climate change is a multi-faceted problem with multiple stakeholders. The voices of affected communities must be heard as we make decisions of global significance. We document the narratives of long-term anti-nuclear activists near the Three Mile Island (TMI) nuclear power plant who speak out in the dawn of a nuclear renaissance/relapse. While nuclear power is marketed as a "green" solution to global warming, their narratives reveal three areas for consideration; (1) significant problems with nuclear technology, (2) lessons "not" learned from the TMI disaster, and (3) hopes for a sustainable future. Nuclear waste, untrustworthy officials and economic issues were among the problems cited. Deceptive shaping of public opinion, nuclear illiteracy, and an aging anti-nuclear movement were reasons cited for the lessons not learned. However, many remain optimistic and envision increased participation to create an ecologically-balanced world.
Culley
Marci R
MR
Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, PO Box 5010, Atlanta, GA 30302-5010, USA. mculley@gsu.edu
Angelique
Holly
H
D001364:Awareness; D057231:Climate Change; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D004190:Disasters / Q000266:history*; D004787:Environmental Pollution; D049673:History, 20th Century; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D033262:Narration; D055848:Nuclear Power Plants / Q000266:history; D010414:Pennsylvania; D011057:Politics; D011593:Psychology, Social; D011639:Public Opinion; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012306:Risk