My Personal Journey to Nuclear Advocacy
— By Marilyn de Lang, Writer & Editor at Big Red Oak
“Nuclear? No way! What’s wrong with wind and solar?”
Turn the clock back a few years, and that was me. Say the word, and my head was instantly filled with stereotypical images of mushroom clouds and mass destruction. What did I know about nuclear energy? Nothing. So why did I take such a strong position?
Good question!
The very mention of ‘nuclear’ is alarming to many people, although it shouldn’t be. After all, it’s science, not science fiction. But it’s so associated with the word ‘weapon’ that it often wears the dark cloak of warfare. Someone once pointed out to me that linking the name ‘nuclear’ with ‘war’ is akin to linking ‘electric’ with ‘chair.’ It’s all about the context.
This blog shares my trek from uninformed opinion to a fact-finding process to my enthusiastic support for the power of nuclear to make a positive impact on our world and its future.
From Skeptic to Advocate
In 2017, I joined Big Red Oak as a writer … and my education began. My first foray into researching and writing scripts and blogs for our nuclear clients was an eye-opener. I learned about the multiple layers of safety built into every operation. I discovered the miracle of medical isotopes, working their magic to sterilize equipment and diagnose and treat cancer. I could look up and see for myself how Ontario’s phase-out of coal cleared the skies above Toronto. Nuclear energy made that happen.
My new colleagues helped me on my journey, sharing the vivid stories they had brought to life through video. Stories of the history, the progress and the promise of nuclear energy. Animations and live-action footage showed me the inner workings of a nuclear reactor. Archival footage revealed its roots and evolution. I was moved to tears by the testimony of patients whose lives were saved by new therapies and a severely asthmatic child whose world was transformed when clean nuclear energy replaced coal-fired smog.
‘Nuclear’ took a new place in my consciousness as a vision of health, not a harbinger of doom.
Looking Forward
And so the seed of knowledge took root, sprouted branches of awareness, and grew into a sturdy trunk of comprehension.
“So what’s wrong with wind and solar?” Nothing. They are an important element of our energy mix. But they can’t do it all. Today, nuclear contributes about 34% to Ontario’s grid, with wind providing 13% and solar just 1%. And, as our demand for electricity and our concerns about climate change grow, nuclear solutions are the key to a healthy environment for our children and their children.
My learning curve is ongoing, with constant new innovations to improve the quality of life around the globe. The nuclear industry is never static. The dedication of its scientists, researchers, executives, workers and stakeholders is truly inspiring. They continually build on their achievements to create a future of reliable electricity, economic prosperity and medical breakthroughs.
I’m grateful that circumstances took me on this path: one that continues to invite new discoveries at every turn. I’m grateful I can play a small role in helping to share the message of the nuclear advantage. I’m grateful that so many people are working to give my grandchildren the tomorrow they deserve.
Looking back, I’m puzzled by my initial reaction to the concept of nuclear energy. I hadn’t bothered to research the industry’s commitment to safety. I knew nothing about its role in reducing carbon emissions or its contribution to medical advancement.
So, now, my response has radically changed.
“Nuclear? Yes! Because it leads the way to a better world.”
Big Red Oak is committed to sharing the good news about nuclear. Stay tuned to our blogs to hear more about our journey.