authorities and potentially of the scientific community. In addition, more effective
technologies are required in combination with better scientific models to assess and
predict the distribution and transport of radioisotopes in the environment and ultimately, to understand the transport into and minimize the impact onto the biosphere.
The events in Fukushima underscore the necessity for advancements in science
and technology and improved communication with the public, and provide a unique
opportunity to address both. Currently, local communities and global societies are
ill-equipped to prepare for and respond to radiological events and the impact of
perceived risks associated with nuclear and radiological incidents. Major releases of
radioactivity will have a global impact for two reasons: (1) The radioactive materials can be transported globally quite effectively as has been observed after
Chernobyl or Fukushima or previously with nuclear weapons testing; (2) Any event
related to the releases of radioactivity will end up as headlines in the global and
social media as it is seen as a rare, newsworthy incident, and will be—in most cases
inaccurately—associated with a significant health impact. Both aspects will cause
increased concerns and fear world-wide, which can only be addressed by an
enhanced understanding of radiation through improved scientific literacy and public
communication, as well as a better understanding of the associated risk for environmental, biological and health effects. Furthermore, the perceived risk and perceived danger of radiation will continue to hamper public acceptance of nuclear
power, which has the potential to contribute to the effort to combat climate change
by providing another carbon free energy source necessary to meet the increasing
future energy demands while reducing the global CO 2 footprint.
4 Combining Research, Education and Outreach,
and Communities—The Institute for Resilient
Communities
In order to address the above-described need to enhance community resilience, we
have established the Institute for Resilient Communities with the initial focus on
radiological resilience, reflecting our activities in response to the Fukushima
Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. Our Institute-related efforts are composed of
research, education and outreach, and community involvement. We briefly discuss
each component.
4.1 Outreach and Education—The Berkeley RadWatch
and DoseNet Projects
After the releases of radioactive materials on and shortly after March 15, 2011 from
the badly damaged Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant, a team of UC Berkeley
The Institute of Resilient Communities
211
technologies are required in combination with better scientific models to assess and
predict the distribution and transport of radioisotopes in the environment and ultimately, to understand the transport into and minimize the impact onto the biosphere.
The events in Fukushima underscore the necessity for advancements in science
and technology and improved communication with the public, and provide a unique
opportunity to address both. Currently, local communities and global societies are
ill-equipped to prepare for and respond to radiological events and the impact of
perceived risks associated with nuclear and radiological incidents. Major releases of
radioactivity will have a global impact for two reasons: (1) The radioactive materials can be transported globally quite effectively as has been observed after
Chernobyl or Fukushima or previously with nuclear weapons testing; (2) Any event
related to the releases of radioactivity will end up as headlines in the global and
social media as it is seen as a rare, newsworthy incident, and will be—in most cases
inaccurately—associated with a significant health impact. Both aspects will cause
increased concerns and fear world-wide, which can only be addressed by an
enhanced understanding of radiation through improved scientific literacy and public
communication, as well as a better understanding of the associated risk for environmental, biological and health effects. Furthermore, the perceived risk and perceived danger of radiation will continue to hamper public acceptance of nuclear
power, which has the potential to contribute to the effort to combat climate change
by providing another carbon free energy source necessary to meet the increasing
future energy demands while reducing the global CO 2 footprint.
4 Combining Research, Education and Outreach,
and Communities—The Institute for Resilient
Communities
In order to address the above-described need to enhance community resilience, we
have established the Institute for Resilient Communities with the initial focus on
radiological resilience, reflecting our activities in response to the Fukushima
Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. Our Institute-related efforts are composed of
research, education and outreach, and community involvement. We briefly discuss
each component.
4.1 Outreach and Education—The Berkeley RadWatch
and DoseNet Projects
After the releases of radioactive materials on and shortly after March 15, 2011 from
the badly damaged Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant, a team of UC Berkeley
The Institute of Resilient Communities
211