Effective risk communication strategies for nuclear energy: emphasizing monitoring and control over risk comparisons

Nuclear energy is considered an important carbon-free and reliable energy source. However, ionizing radiation associated with nuclear power plants is a long-standing public concern. National surveys have been conducted over the last 30 years—in 1991, 2001, 2008, 2011, and 2022—to assess the trends in public perceptions about radiation associated with nuclear energy, as well as to investigate which messages could be effective in correcting misperceptions. This study examines the 2022 survey data in greater depth to understand the efficacy of messages. Results confirm the findings from the earlier research by Bisconti (2011): that (1) providing key facts and well-designed messages to the public can change perceptions, and (2) informing the public about how radiation is controlled and monitored at nuclear power plants is more effective than comparing radiation levels from different sources. In addition, our results show that this pattern is true across all demographic groups, even among those who began the survey with the most negative perceptions. A message about the many beneficial societal uses of radiation also is effective, particularly for those with advanced education. Our results offer a framework by which to improve public perception and create pathways for greater public understanding of radiation associated with nuclear power plants. The findings provide a framework for developing communications on a range of technical topics and for siting energy facilities.