By Raechel I. Kelley
European representatives from nuclear power, tobacco and genetically modified organism (GMO) industries pleaded for more transparency and public engagement from global policy makers on Feb. 18 at the American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting in Vancouver.
The symposium, "Exploding Myths on Reactor Security, Harm Reduction and Genetically Modified Organisms," included Roland Schenkel, a nuclear energy consultant, David O'Reilly of British American Tobacco, and Guy van den Eede from the Joint Research Centre. The panel moderator, Ireland's Chief Science Adviser Patrick Cunningham, addressed problems with science communication and called on scientists to “rethink and resell to society the basic integrity of science.”
Schenkel argued that implementing standardized policies globally would avoid further crises involving nuclear power. Acknowledging the outdated engineering flaws that led to the tragedy at Japan's Fukushima plant after the March 2011 tsunami, Schenkel explained that a more regulated global system would prevent future incidents.
“The international regulations vary,” said Schenkel, noting that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) sets guidelines that are voluntary, not obligatory. Modern developments in nuclear energy, such as improved internal cooling methods, will help to protect surrounding communities, he stated. Converting to deep geological repositories also would allow for better disposal of radioactive waste, Schenkel added.
“The new generations of reactors incorporate 40 years of experience,” said Schenkel, “and they are a major step forward in safety.” He suggested that IAEA be entrusted with the globalized coordination of nuclear energy to improve existing nuclear facilities and ensure the proper management of the new generation of reactors.
O'Reilly challenged, as myth, that all tobacco products are equally harmful—while further describing the need for less toxic nicotine products such as smokeless and modified tobacco. Those products are not commonly linked with smoking-related diseases, he noted. “If people are going to consume nicotine,” O'Reilly said, “then give it to them in the safest possible way.”
O'Reilly blamed policy makers for focusing on unsuccessful “quit or die” strategies for smokers. He explained that nearly a billion people will die from cigarettes if there is not an intervention that urges smokers to switch to these allegedly safer nicotine substitutes.
“We need to see tobacco consumers not as sick and addicted patients,” O'Reilly said, “[but] as consumers who make real consumer choices and understand what it is that would make them migrate to safer products.”
In response to questions about why the industry continues to market cigarettes to poorer countries when there are safer products available, O'Reilly responded that companies still have “duties to shareholders. . . [and] an obligation to maximize profits.”
Van den Eede discussed the political issues surrounding production of genetically modified organisms. He said they provide “a contribution to food security” regardless of societal stigmas.
Van den Eede called for more science to be incorporated in the decision-making process, while insisting that “it is absolutely impossible to allow a product on the market if you know that it has potential problems with the environment or human or animal health.” Some GMOs might prompt certain allergic reactions, putting unaware consumers at risk, he stated.
“The consumer does not see any benefit from [GMO] technology," Van den Eede stated in response to an audience question. “Any benefit at all will be seen on the farmer level or seed production level.”
Cunningham concluded by arguing that consumer outcomes must be clearly outlined in these and other controversial topics: “Neither the benefits nor the cost are very clear, but the costs are clearer than the benefits.”
Raechel I. Kelley is studying science journalism as a Frances Perkins Scholar at Mount Holyoke College. She is currently working as an outreach assistant at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and occasionally freelances for the Daily Hampshire Gazette. Reach her at kelle23r@mtholyoke.edu.
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