Public opinion about nuclear power varies widely between countries . A poll by Gallup International ( 2011 ) assessed public opinion in 47 countries . The poll was conducted following a tsunami and earthquake which caused an accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan . 49 % stated that they held favourable views about nuclear energy , while 43 % held an unfavourable view . Another global survey by Ipsos ( 2011 ) assessed public opinion in 24 countries . Respondents to this survey showed a clear preference for renewable energy sources over coal and nuclear energy ( refer to graph opposite ) . Ipsos ( 2012 ) found that solar and wind were viewed by the public as being more environmentally friendly and more viable long-term energy sources relative to nuclear power and natural gas . However , solar and wind were viewed as being less reliable relative to nuclear power and natural gas . In 2012 a poll done in the UK found that 63 % of those surveyed support nuclear power , and with opposition to nuclear power at 11 % . In Germany , strong anti-nuclear sentiment led to eight of the seventeen operating reactors being permanently shut down following the March 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster
tsunami and earthquake
2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
Climate change mitigation