Nuclear Literacy - A New Voice

“Most of us were taught that the goal of science is power over nature, as if science and power were one thing and nature quite another. Niels Bohr observed to the contrary that the more modest but relentless goal of science is, in his words, ‘the gradual removal of prejudice.’ By ‘prejudice,’ Bohr meant belief unsupported by evidence.”

–Pulitzer Prize-winner Richard Rhodes

This quote by Richard Rhodes captures the mission of Go Nuclear, Inc. in unusual words.  But, had I not come across a new organization, Nuclear Literacy, on facebook, I might not have learned of this definition.  These words-- ‘the gradual removal of prejudice’ --speak volumes to those of us who find ourselves in this position of defending the wonders of science to a fearful, often misled public.    

If you read the NLP history page, you discover that the founders are students in nuclear engineering at the University of South Carolina. Their goals are similar to those of Go Nuclear.  Their project – education of the public – is not small.  Like Go Nuclear, they face a mountain range as big as the Rockies, which divide the North American continent. Mount Fear, Mount Propaganda, Mount Politics are key features they will navigate. It appears like their first crossing (approach) will start with online quizzes, and bite size information that young people can digest as they study science. We wish them success and will share their material whenever possible.  

NLP possesses top mentors and expert guides, including Rod Adams from Nuclear Insights, and Suzy Hobbs from Pop Atomic, and several others.  NLP became inspired to educate the public about nuclear energy in part due to the response and over-responses to the Fukushima reactor meltdown at Plant Daichi.  

Go Nuclear is particularly pleased that NLP also wants to connect nuclear medicine with the nuclear energy issues.  The two issues are closely connected, but often nuclear medicine gets left out of nuclear conversations. The more we all keep the connection viable, the greater chance we have to improve the national crisis of isotope shortages and prohibitions to production.

I really appreciated this bit:  “We may not think very much about the defense of the United States provided by the submarines, battleships, and aircraft carriers powered by small nuclear reactors that can operate for decades without refueling—and yet we’re free to go about our lives knowing we’re protected, thanks in part to Navy vigilance.”  Rod Adams would certainly agree with this statement – as do we!  While Go Nuclear does not directly address this aspect of nuclear energy, it is an important point and one worth noting.  Electricity and liberty are part of the blessings that nuclear helps sustain.  We often take both of these for granted.    

To our South Carolina nuclear energy friends:  A fine Colorado and a Georgia welcome to nuclear energy advocacy!  Since you are so close to us in both mission and age, we look forward to sharing educational material with young readers.  Hopefully we can do the same for you.  

Please read here: http://nuclearliteracy.org/about/history/ for more information about the goals and objectives of the organization, information about Margaret Harding, a significant and inspiring nuclear engineer and communicator, as well as other thinkers in the industry.  

Go Nuclear! and Go NLP!

Sources:  
http://nuclearliteracy.org/