Public Perceptions of Alternative Energy Within Cumbria

Abstract

Energy production is one of the largest industries on the planet. Our lives are
governed by the availability and access of electricity. We need energy to make the
cogs of modern life turn. Climate Change has brought pollution and energy production
to the forefront in recent times. In the past no notice was paid to the effect energy
production was having upon the environment. Now however there are new emergent
technologies that can harness energy from renewable sources, or produce Carbon
free energy. The methods I will discuss in this dissertation will be wind power and
nuclear energy.
This dissertation focus’s on the public’s perception of alternative energies within
Cumbria. The research consists of primary quantitative data gathered from a
questionnaire which was conducted at 3 separate sites around the county, and a
series of interviews. The findings are placed into context in the scientific world by
comparing the dissertation with similar published works on the subject. The results
show the views of the public as regards there perceptions toward alternative energies.
The results are then discussed with the themes and trends discovered being
concluded in the final section.