The French view of science and expertise

This year, the image of science and scientific experts remains stable: 64% of the French trust scientific institutions (+2 points), and 57% have a good opinion of scientific experts (-1 point). The qualities most expected of scientific experts remain, for the fifth consecutive year, honesty in scientific work (51%), technical competence (45%), and independence of judgment (41%).
For the fourth year in a row, the French emphasize the need for decision-makers to rely on scientific experts. 75% believe that “political decision-makers do not sufficiently take into account the opinions of scientific experts” (+4 points).

The demand for broad access to high-quality information is reaffirmed in 2024. 88% of the French consider that “information about the risks of facilities should be made understandable and accessible to all,” and 73% consider it a priority that expert organizations publish their reports. However, only 52% want to participate in information and consultation meetings about risky facilities. The main barrier to participation is the feeling that others are more competent than themselves (25%), while the main motivator is feeling directly concerned (45%).

The French and risky situations

Among the 24 risk situations tracked by the Barometer in November 2024, cancer (76% “high” responses, +3 points) is, for the fourth consecutive year, perceived as the riskiest situation by the French. Next comes drugs, which remain in 2nd place (74%, +3 points), and pesticides, which this year take 3rd place (69%, +3 points).

This year, the Barometer introduces a new approach by asking the French about the risk of death they associate with different risky situations. Among the 23 situations surveyed, cancer (78% “high”), tobacco use (72%), and drug use (69%) are considered the most potentially deadly. Conversely, radon in homes (21%), artificial intelligence (18%), and medical X-rays (17%) are seen as the least potentially deadly.

Among the 24 risk situations followed this year, smoking (78%), alcohol (76%, -1 point), and road accidents (76%) are those for which the French feel best informed about the risks. In contrast, chemical waste (25%, +1 point), chemical facilities (24%, -1 point), and radon (21%, +3 points) are the situations for which the French feel least informed.

The confidence the French place in authorities to protect them from risky situations remains low (32% “yes” on average). For the third consecutive year, medical X-rays receive the highest trust score (47%, +3 points), followed by artificial intelligence (newly introduced) and nuclear power plants, which share 2nd place with a combined score of 43%. French “distrust” remains highest for drugs (57% “no,” +4 points), pesticides (49%, -4 points), and soil pollution (46%, -3 points).

The French, nuclear energy, radiation protection, and safety

After a significant change in 2022, French opinion in favor of nuclear energy has stabilized since 2023. Nearly one in two French citizens (48%, -1 point) supports the construction of new nuclear power plants, while 25% oppose it (+3 points).

The main argument in favor of nuclear energy remains energy independence (38%, -4 points), far ahead of the low cost of electricity (24%, +1 point), though the gap between these arguments narrows again this year. Radioactive waste production remains the main argument against nuclear energy (31%, -2 points), ahead of the risk of accidents in second place (23%, -1 point).

Regarding the perception of radioactivity, most French people consider that the main source of exposure in France is artificial (57%, +2 points). Specifically, industrial and military nuclear facilities are most cited (31%), followed by medical procedures (26%).

Regarding the management of radioactive waste, the majority of French people (64%, -4 points) still believe that the “most reasonable approach to solving the radioactive waste storage problem” is to “decide and implement a solution as quickly as possible.” Only 7% (+2 points) prefer to “leave the choice to future generations.” Furthermore, 35% believe it is currently “possible to safely store nuclear waste,” while 30% (-2 points) think otherwise.

Confidence in safety measures this year reaches its highest point since the beginning of the historical series (2007): 64% (+1 point) of the French believe that “all precautions are taken to ensure a very high level of safety in French nuclear power plants.” Nevertheless, expectations for nuclear safety remain high: 83% state that “operators of nuclear sites must protect their facilities from all risks, even those considered very unlikely.” Moreover, the majority (68%) remain convinced that “nuclear facility safety comes before energy production, even if this may cause power outages.” Among the various measures proposed to strengthen nuclear facility safety, developing research on the safety of existing nuclear reactors and strengthening inspections by competent authorities top French priorities (77% “priority” responses each).

Regarding the extension of nuclear plant lifespans, 52% (+1 point) of French people consider it a good choice versus 27% (+1 point) who disagree. However, 41% (+3 points) claim that “extending the operation of nuclear plants will cause accidents,” versus 22% (-1 point) who disagree.

Concerning the perception of disasters, nuclear power plants remain the facilities most likely to cause a serious accident in France according to the French (24%). The Chernobyl accident remains the most frightening disaster (46%), with its citation rate up 7 points this year.

In 2024, 93% of French citizens (+1 point) do not completely rule out the possibility of an accident of the same magnitude as Fukushima in France, compared to only 7% who consider it “not at all likely.” Furthermore, 81% of respondents believe the French population is not sufficiently prepared in the event of a large-scale nuclear accident.

The Barometer is available, including in its English version, on the dedicated website: https://barometre-perceptiondesrisques.asnr.fr/