Nuclear energy is back on the UK government’s agenda. However, concerns about safety have plagued this technology for decades. Given it kills less people than wind, coal or gas, why are we so radiophobic? Ian Sample investigates.

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By 2050, the UK will have a net zero carbon economy. That, at least, is what the government claims. How it will do this is yet to be decided but it could include projects like growing trees and restoring soils to absorb more carbon from the atmosphere. However, other measures might be met with more opposition: investing in carbon sequestration abroad, phasing out petrol and diesel sooner than 2030 and, potentially, nuclear power.



Concerns about safety have plagued this technology for decades. Given it kills less people per unit of energy produced than coal, gas or wind power, why are we so radiophobic? And is there any way trust in nuclear energy can be rebuilt?

This week, Ian Sample discusses with Prof Martin Freer, director of the Birmingham Energy Institute; Fred Pearce, environmental journalist and author of Fallout; and Dr Tali Sharot, a neuroscientist at University College London and author of The Influential Mind.