5 Conclusions
80. This inquiry has enabled us to explore two
key questions: (i) what the risk perceptions associated with energy
infrastructure are; and (ii) how they should be factored into
policy processes. Changes to energy policy in Germany after Fukushima
illustrate an important point, which was also highlighted by Professor
Tom Horlick-Jones who stated that "no matter how safe an
industry can be made, [...] ultimately its acceptability [depends
on] whether the society in question can live with possible failures".[216]
The Nuclear Industry Association considered that "policy
on new nuclear developments should not be driven by the perception
of risk, but by an evidence-based approach that enables an appropriate
level of risk to be determined".[217]
Concerns about climate change and energy security drive the development
of energy technologies and infrastructure, and public opposition
must be balanced against these concerns and the UK's energy and
emissions targets. Germany's energy policies appear to have been
significantly driven by public opposition to nuclear power, including
distorted views of risk, yet as Sense About Science highlighted,
"Germany [...] plans to significantly decrease carbon dioxide
emissions but it has been estimated that these will increase [after
the energy turnaround] with an extra 300 million tonnes of carbon
dioxide until 2020".[218]
81. We consider that public
risk perceptions must be understood and taken into account when
policies are developed, but that public views are one form of
evidence that must be balanced against
political, ethical and scientific
considerations. However, when public opinion diverges from the
evidence of objective risk, policies and decisions should be primarily
based on scientific evidence on risk and safety. In our view,
basing policies firmly on evidence from independent, impartial,
scientific sources and engaging in robust risk dialogue at local
and national levels, are the best way to ensure public confidence.
216 Ev w18, para 2.6 Back
217
Ev w23 Back
218
Ev 66, para 4.7 Back
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