‘The suspicion of nuclear power is deeply rooted’
A conversation with environmental journalist Marco Visscher on his new book, The Power of Nuclear: The Rise, Fall and Return of Our Mightiest Energy Source.
Why did you want to write a book about nuclear energy?
Marco Visscher: ‘Over many years, I’ve participated in numerous public debates on climate policy. I noticed something interesting would happen whenever nuclear power was mentioned, whether by me or by someone in the audience – it caused a stir. Some people would become upset, others would cheer. I don’t know of any other technology that sparks such an emotional response.
To me, it’s clear that nuclear power should play a prominent role in a low-carbon energy mix. However, some people scramble to find reasons to dismiss some of the obvious facts about a technology they view with suspicion. I thought it would be interesting to write a book to explain where both the suspicion and the enthusiasm stem from.’
In what way is your book different from other books by authors who support nuclear energy?
‘I suppose none of them begin with a chapter dedicated to the bombing of Hiroshima! I guess I wasn’t interested in writing yet another book simply listing the arguments in favour of nuclear power, which would have been predictable, both for readers and for me as a writer. Instead, I chose to tell the incredibly story of nuclear power.
You’ll read about everything from the health craze in the 1920s, when radioactive ingredients appeared in soaps, toothpaste and face cream, to the arrogance of the atomic scientists in the 1950s who claimed to possess divine knowledge on how to contain the pent-up anger inside the atom. You’ll sit at the bedside of the 25-year-old technician who caused the Chernobyl reactor to explode, and you’ll meet a noodle chef from Fukushima who fell into depression after evacuating with this family to Tokyo.’
What is needed for people to drop their rejection of nuclear energy as you did?
‘Indeed, I used to oppose nuclear power in the early 2000s, but slowly came to accept it as a necessary evil in the 2010s, influenced by the writings of heroes of mine, such as Stewart Brand and George Monbiot. Over time, I became more and more convinced of the benefits of nuclear power, mainly because of the undeniable facts about lifecycle greenhouse emissions or accidents per kWh, and because of a better understanding of the growing energy demand, particularly in poor and emerging countries.
But we must remember that facts do not convince everyone. We all have values, and these can sometimes override facts. We must recognise that we can’t be open-minded about everything. I see many politicians who support the facts when it comes to nuclear power but have no qualms about believing and spreading misinformation on issues like immigration. I suppose it’s human nature to be selective in what we are open-minded about.’
Are you optimistic about the future of nuclear energy?
‘I go back and forth on this. One day, I’m optimistic because of all the promises and pledges made by politicians and businesses; the next, I can’t help but think it’s all just words and nothing much happens. Also, we shouldn’t underestimate the forces in society that are stacked against nuclear power. The suspicion is deeply rooted, and I doubt we can summon the will to build and maintain a substantially larger nuclear fleet.’
Out now: The Power of Nuclear: The Rise, Fall and Return of Our Mightiest Energy Source, by Marco Visscher (Bloomsbury Publishing).
Comments