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Public perceptions of energy choices: the influence of beliefs about climate change and the environment

Spence, Alexa; Poortinga, Wouter; Pidgeon, Nick; Lorenzoni, Irene

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Authors

ALEXA SPENCE ALEXA.SPENCE@NOTTINGHAM.AC.UK
Professor of Psychology

Wouter Poortinga

Nick Pidgeon

Irene Lorenzoni



Abstract

Past research has documented high levels of public concern for risks relating to nuclear power, with opposition to nuclear energy particularly being linked with general environmental concern. However recent UK energy policy, and other debates worldwide, has led to a repositioning of nuclear power as a ‘low carbon’ electricity source with potential benefits for mitigating climate change. Whilst many previous studies have examined perceptions of climate change and nuclear energy separately, this large British public attitude survey explores relationships between the two as well as with perceptions of other energy sources. Both general environmental concern and concerns about climate change were linked with positive evaluations of renewables and negative evaluations of nuclear power. We conclude that, despite the policy positioning of nuclear power as a low carbon electricity source, most people concerned about climate change continue to perceive nuclear negatively, something partially explained by general environmental concerns.

Citation

Spence, A., Poortinga, W., Pidgeon, N., & Lorenzoni, I. (2010). Public perceptions of energy choices: the influence of beliefs about climate change and the environment. Energy and Environment, 21(5), https://doi.org/10.1260/0958-305X.21.5.385

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jan 1, 2010
Deposit Date Feb 21, 2014
Publicly Available Date Feb 21, 2014
Journal Energy & Environment
Electronic ISSN 0958-305X
Publisher SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 21
Issue 5
DOI https://doi.org/10.1260/0958-305X.21.5.385
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1013254
Publisher URL http://multi-science.metapress.com/content/k4871h57pj77jx18/?p=214f5e25fc114836a1a116fd8f93ad15&pi=2

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