About this episode

The episode discusses the legacy of the Chernobyl disaster 40 years later, examining public perception of nuclear power and its environmental impact.

Episode 362 It’s been 40 years since the world’s worst nuclear disaster unfolded. Since the explosion at Chernobyl in 1986, the world has feared nuclear power - and the widespread damage it can do. But are we right to fear it? Though it’s left a lasting scar on the region, nuclear power is still safer than fossil fuels - which kill millions of people each year. So what will it take to change public opinion? We examine the lasting impact of nuclear fallout on Chernobyl - and how things have changed in the exclusion zone over four decades. Rowan Hooper is joined by New Scientist reporter Matt Sparkes, who shares news of his recent visit where he met the families who still live there. And Professor Jim Smith, author of Chernobyl: Catastrophe and Consequences, explains how the ecosystem and wildlife are thriving - and how he’s been making Atomik Brandy out of radioactive apples from the region. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ To buy Atomik drinks and help support communities in Ukraine affected by Chernobyl and the war, see www.atomikvodka.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Rowan Hooper

Guests: Matt Sparkes, Professor Jim Smith

Topics covered

• Chernobyl
• nuclear power
• environment
• public opinion
• ecosystem
• wildlife
• radioactivity

Keywords

• Chernobyl
• nuclear disaster
• nuclear power
• environment
• radioactive apples
• Atomik Brandy
• public opinion
• exclusion zone
• wildlife
• ecosystem

Sponsors

Atomik Vodka

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: New Scientist, Atomik Brandy, Atomik Vodka

Places: Chernobyl

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