Survey analysis
The survey data clearly indicate that a majority of the public favors the use of nuclear energy. The survey was conducted from 24th November 2011 until 10th December 2011, approximately 57% of the public supported nuclear energy and approximately 43% of the public opposed nuclear power. The respondents came from various countries such as Ireland, Qatar, Japan, Vietnam, and absolutely from several state in Malaysia. In general, support for nuclear power increased with educational level. Those with low educational attainment indicated greater opposition to nuclear power than was the highly educated group. On the average, there was 60% more support for nuclear power among those with the highest educational attainment. Differences in support or opposition to nuclear power among respondents from different regions of the country were small in magnitude. However, consistent differences in support for nuclear power were found between residents of the Western states of Malaysia and those from develop country.
Reasons for favoring nuclear power
The reasons usually given for favoring nuclear power center around nuclear power as a good and needed energy source, the economics of nuclear power (keep electric tariff low), the belief that nuclear power conserves other resources, and the belief that nuclear power produces clean energy or is less polluting than other energy sources (reduce C02 emission). A majority (73%) set the reasons for supporting nuclear power is to ensure continuous energy supply. The main reason was the belief that there is an unlimited or abundant source of nuclear fuel. The second major set of reasons for supporting nuclear power involved an economic consideration which is to keep low electric tariff. This is because it provided cheaper electricity; 42% of the respondents gave this reason. The percentage is same as to reduce CO2 emission and this indicates that the respondent concern about the environment. In summary, the main reasons for favoring nuclear power have involved the low perceived cost of nuclear power, the comparatively nonpolluting effect of nuclear power, and the need for nuclear power as an energy source.
Factors and Arguments about nuclear power plant.
Arguments for and against nuclear power have been elicited by a wide variety of answered. In general, reasons for opposition centered on safety concerns, nuclear wastes, pollution, and the confident towards operator’s skills. From this survey, the safety issues associated with nuclear power have been a primary concern of the public throughout the history of nuclear power. The specific dangers most frequently volunteered by respondents included danger from nuclear power plant accidents and explosions, danger of radiation contamination from power plants, and danger from nuclear waste disposal. On the average 31% of the total public believed that nuclear waste disposal is a major problem. Given these opposing findings, the conclusion drawn is that concern over dangers fluctuates over time. It is sad to know that it has remained stable since 1986 as the main reason for opposing nuclear power, because of the Chernobyl disaster. However, a majority of the respondents believed that technology could solve the safety problems associated with nuclear power, including the safety problems associated with radioactive waste disposal.
Do you confident in utility company’s ability to operate a nuclear power plant safely and doing a good job of protecting the environment?
From the survey about 35% respondents are not really confident in utility company’s ability to operate a nuclear power plant safely and doing a good job of protecting the environment. The reason why is they might think that the operator’s skills and knowledge are not enough. Early exposure about technical skills and any necessary knowledge about nuclear power plant must be given to all workers before they can be certified as "qualified" to work in the power plant to make sure only the highly trained workers are allowed to work in the plant, this step must be implemented.
Implementation of nuclear energy in a country will help economic growth. Is it true?
59% of the respondents agreed, 20% disagreed, and 22% were undecided. A majority of respondents see nuclear power as providing economic benefits. With the Malaysian government’s goal to be a developed nation in 2020, depending on renewable energy like coal and natural gas alone is not enough to power the industrial needs of modern Malaysia. When the nuclear power plant were built it would be more business would come to the community and create more jobs. In this globalization era, there is no way for our country to be left behind. Energy is the most important aspect for a country to move forward. Malaysia is in a crossroad and our country has to make a decision, which one is effective, and most importantly, is it worthy of the risk.
How important do you think nuclear energy will be in meeting this nation’s electricity needs in the years ahead?
A majority in range 1% to 43% respondents who favored nuclear power believed that atomic power should be used to provide electricity because it would provide cheaper electricity. They believed that nuclear power was more efficient and more powerful than other source or energy. Other reasons were that nuclear power is a good source of energy or is a good source for the future, nuclear power helps to achieve energy independence, and that there is an abundant source of nuclear fuel.
Promoting renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, is a better way of tackling climate change than nuclear power. Is it true?
Most of the respondents agree in this statement. Even though majority agree with development of nuclear power but they still believe that there have another way to tackling the climate change other than nuclear energy. Solar power received positive assessments in terms of its health and safety impacts. However, by using other renewable sources like solar, wind and biomass is certainly not a good option since growing demand will eventually overtake supply. The nuclear fuel is the best solution, it can save the environment since nuclear fuel will release a very low amount of carbon compared to current fuel mix for power generation, and in cost aspect, it is much more affordable for our nation.
Interpretation of Unsure Responses
Such "don't know" responses may indicate either ambivalence or indifference toward the issue area. Since the percentages in this category are often as large as the percentage opposed it is of considerable interest to know who comprises the category. Several hypotheses about such responses will be considered. First, these respondents may be apathetic, uncommunicative, and/or uncooperative with interviewers. Perhaps they shrug off questions with a "can't answer" or "don't know" response rather than giving serious consideration. The other hypothesis about respondents in the unsure category is that they are truly without nuclear opinions. Considerable evidence suggests that much of the public knows little about nuclear power, and that many do not care one way or another.
Regards
Nuclear Boy
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