Dear nuclear industry, we need you to step up and fight

Anti-nuclear activists still dominate the conversation in this one area - because the industry allows them to

“Hospitality's not our strong suit - scientists n all” - Dr Owens, Stranger Things

I admit that for much of my life, my vague and negative view of the nuclear industry was mostly shaped by pop culture references. Since realising this, I’ve spent years highlighting the significant influence shows like The Simpsons had on a generation of viewers, leading many of us to develop a negative perception of nuclear energy and the industry.

But the industry hasn’t helped itself, either. By trying to keep its head down and not rock the boat, it has repeatedly ceded the image of nuclear energy and industry to the loudest activists - and they have run wild with the stereotypes. When I came over from the dark side, one of my first actions was to organise a rally in Sizewell in Suffolk, on the coast where Sizewell B power station is situated. I founded Nuclear for Net Zero, and our aims were to celebrate clean energy, show that the sea there is safe to swim in (to counter anti-nuclear falsehoods arguing otherwise), and build Britain’s first pro-nuclear environmental group.

At this time, I had few allies; many of my environmental chums had shunned me after I came out publicly in favour of nuclear energy, and there was no pro-nuclear movement in Britain at the time. I wasn’t looking for industry support, but imagine my surprise when, after spending weeks organising and encouraging people to join us for a swim, I received this email from a nuclear industry insider, not supporting the event, but advising me against holding it: