Communication during the Fukushima nuclear accident: the perspective of a non-nuclear country

Transcription

1 Communication during the Fukushima nuclear accident: the perspective of a non-nuclear country Vasiliki Tafili International and Public Relations Office Greek Atomic Energy Commission International Experts Meeting on Enhancing Transparency and Communication Effectiveness in the event of a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency Vienna, June 2012

2 Outline Background information on national characteristics affecting the public information activities Formulation of communication strategy during the Fukushima nuclear accident Key messages Issues raised / lessons learned 2

3 National characteristics In the national energy mix planning nuclear power is not an option The overwhelming majority of the public opinion is against the nuclear power option The perception of nuclear energy as a risk for the public and the environment predominates Concern for the nuclear neighborhood risks Low level of confidence to nuclear safety 3

4 The global village effect Influence by major external events Rapid information dissemination Our communication challenge: to deal with the perceived risk of the Fukushima nuclear accident 4

5 The public sphere: issues of interest Concern for the public health and the environment: radioactivity in air, food/water consumption, imports, travel Nuclear safety in Europe Comparison to Chernobyl strong memories from Chernobyl Discussions on risk from neighboring NPPs 5

6 Information inquiries extended press and broadcast media coverage requests for interviews information requests (telephone, ) from the public and the media number of visits at GAEC website x 2 Parliamentary demands 6

7 Forming the communication strategy strong fear of radiation risks fact-based information vs. rumors/speculations limited public awareness on nuclear safety addressing the concern of special groups e.g. crew of ships gaining trust through transparency Chernobyl memories real conditions: e.g. distance, no public health risk incomplete information and mixed messages about the accident mistrust towards nuclear safety stakeholders 7

8 Forming the communication strategy GAEC goal: to successfully respond as the information source government - public authorities media public groups of special interest (crew of Greek ships and citizens in Japan) 8

9 Key messages there is no radiological risk for the citizens or the country radioactivity levels in the country are constantly monitored coordination of the national mechanism of environmental radioactivity measurements no need to take any protection measures or change dietary habits the country fully implements the EC guidelines/directives regarding foodstuff monitoring and imports control cooperation with international and European authorities being on alert and available provide information updates as soon as confirmed data are available 9

10 From theory to practice 16 press releases & 8 web announcements 11 TV interviews, 4 radio interviews FAQs at the website Presentation in the Parliament Participation in European/international meetings National information event organized on 7 July

11 Pillars of GAEC communication Media relations Web-based communication Coordination in information sharing and communication 11

12 Consideration to be given to: Social media: information source / dissemination tool Spokesperson: a crucial role Building public awareness on nuclear safety Media relations 12

13 Conclusions Information: key element in emergency response plans Challenge: address the high concern Functions of communication crisis management were tested Strengthening of our profile as trustworthy organization Identification of specific aspects of communication process requiring further consideration at national level 13

14 Thank you for you attention! Greek Atomic Energy Commission P.O BOX Αg. Paraskevi 15310, Greece T: F: E: vtafili@eeae.gr Acknowledgment to the co-authors: V. Kamenopoulou, C. Potiriadis, S. Economides, S. Simopoulos, C. Housiadas