Nuclear power: renaissance or relapse? Global climate change and long-term Three Mile Island activists' narratives

Am J Community Psychol. 2010 Jun;45(3-4):231-46. doi: 10.1007/s10464-010-9299-8.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Awareness
  • Climate Change*
  • Conservation of Natural Resources
  • Disasters / history*
  • Environmental Pollution
  • History, 20th Century
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Narration
  • Nuclear Power Plants* / history
  • Pennsylvania
  • Politics
  • Psychology, Social
  • Public Opinion
  • Residence Characteristics
  • Risk