Is Nuclear Power Part of the World’s Sustainable Development Future?
Examining Bases for Agreement through Rhetorical Features of the Arguments
Elizabeth L. Malone and Elizabeth S. Caniglia
SUMMARY: A framework based on rhetorical features was used to analyze arguments about the
future use of nuclear power to generate electricity within the U.N. Dialogues on Sustainable
Energy Development. Since all the participants support the goal of sustainable development, the
arguments about the use of nuclear power focused on whether or not nuclear power could be
considered “sustainable” and whether or not the goal of extending access to electrical power
justifies considering all power sources, including nuclear. Nearly opposite positions were taken
by two groups: (1) the business community and some governments, who favored keeping nuclear
options in the portfolio; and (2) trade unions and NGOs, who denounced nuclear power as
unsustainable, along with fossil fuels and large hydropower facilities. Because of the opposition
of interests and the polarized rhetoric, the rhetorical features that provide the most probable
avenues for building agreement are the type of evidence used and worldview; specific examples
are provided.
Introduction