The mirage of citizen engagement in uncertain science: Public attitudes towards hydrogen energy

Flynn, R; Ricci, M; Bellaby, P

Abstract

This paper addresses some of the debates about citizen involvement in decisions about science and
technological innovation. It describes some of the claims and scientific uncertainties surrounding
hydrogen energy. It examines qualitative evidence from a series of recent case studies in the UK
about public perceptions of hydrogen. It is shown that public attitudes towards citizen
engagement are highly ambivalent. While citizens approve of greater consultation, they raise
doubts about the degree to which laypersons can be mobilised to participate in public debates,
they express contradictory views about their trust in experts, and they are sceptical about whether
such involvement will influence policy. These findings add further questions about the efficacy of
upstream public engagement in assessments of emergent or novel technologies. They also suggest
that over-optimistic expectations about upstream engagement may have to be moderated.

Citation

Flynn, R., Ricci, M., & Bellaby, P. (2011). The mirage of citizen engagement in uncertain science: Public attitudes towards hydrogen energy. International Journal of Science Education, Part B: Communication and Public Engagement, 1(18), https://doi.org/10.1080/21548455.2011.585810

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jun 1, 2011
• Deposit Date: Jul 13, 2011
• Journal: International Journal of Science Education, Part B
• Print ISSN: 2154-8455
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 1
• Issue: 18
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/21548455.2011.585810
• Keywords: Upstream public engagement, hydrogen energy, uncertain science, trust
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/21548455.2011.585810
• Additional Information: Additional Information : iFirst Article