Educational Media Reviews Online

Atomic Hope: Inside the Pro-Nuclear Movement provides a look into an oft-ignored part of the climate change movement, pro-nuclear activism. The film follows an international group of nuclear energy advocates over a ten-year period, presenting their work to advocate for nuclear energy and the pushback they receive from other members of the climate movement.

Much of the film is spent sharing the argument for nuclear power, driving home the fact that nuclear energy represents the cheapest, most reliable, and quickest way to decarbonize. As Atomic Hope specifically focuses on pro-nuclear activism, it does not give any significant time to opponents of nuclear energy. Instead, the film presents information that allays the common arguments against nuclear power and provides extensive information about the benefits of nuclear power compared to other sources of clean energy. Atomic Hope shows visits to both Chernobyl and Fukushima, including commentary from nuclear scientists about both disasters and the extent and effect of radiation. The clear presentation of facts in an easy-to-understand way presents a very convincing argument for nuclear power as a relatively low-risk and safe alternative.

The focus on nuclear energy sets Atomic Hope apart from other documentaries on the climate crisis, as it presents a clean energy option that is often ignored or dismissed by climate advocacy. There is a lot of good information in this film. It finds a good balance between sharing the stories and work of the nuclear advocates it highlights with extensive scientific information about the benefits of nuclear and the low risks of nuclear. Atomic Hope is very informational while still being engaging. It would be a great addition to a library collection and would be particularly useful in environmental or energy courses. It would also have appeal for general audiences interested in climate advocacy.

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