More than 65% of Germans support nuclear drills
Quick Look
According to a study by the German Radiation Protection Authority (BfS), more than 65% of Germans believe it is necessary to conduct drills on what to do in the event of the use of nuclear weapons, 83% are in favor of better informing the population about a radiological emergency, and 63% admitted that they do not know how to act in such a situation, with uncertainty higher among women (73%) and among men (52%).
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The study was carried out by the German Radiation Protection Authority (BfS) from January to March among 2,032 people. It concerns the public's preparedness for nuclear and radiological threats. In July, Russian intelligence said Germany could theoretically build a nuclear device within a year, raising concerns in Europe.
More than 65% of Germans consider it necessary to conduct exercises to practice actions in the event of the use of nuclear weapons.
More than 83% of respondents believe that the German population should be better informed about what to do in the event of a radiological emergency.
63% of Germans admitted that they do not know how to act in the event of a radiological emergency, with uncertainty higher among women (73%) than among men (52%).
MOSCOW, October 6 - RIA Novosti. More than 60% of Germans are in favor of holding training for the population on what to do in the event of the use of nuclear weapons, according to a study by the German Radiation Protection Authority (BfS), which was obtained by the media group RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND).
According to the results of the study, 65% of respondents expressed the opinion that holding exercises to practice actions in the event of the use of nuclear weapons is necessary for the German population.
More than three quarters of respondents (83%) also believe that the German population should be better informed about how to act in the event of a radiological emergency caused by a radiation accident, 79% - in the event of a radiological emergency caused by a conflict or war in Europe.
At the same time, 63% of Germans admitted that they do not know what to do in the event of a radiological emergency. On this issue, respondents were divided by gender - 52% of men and 73% of women considered their knowledge to be insufficient or absent.
BfS head Inge Paulini, commenting on the research results for RND, described them as a “request for action” on the part of German society. She emphasized that uncertainty on this issue among Germans is very high, and noted the potential consequences of such a situation.
"As a result, possible misinformation can spread faster and fears can be more easily stoked... In the event of a real threat, many people may react incorrectly or panic more easily," Paulini told RND.
The study was conducted from January to March among 2,032 Germans. The statistical error of the study is not given.
In July, the press bureau of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service reported that, according to NATO experts, Germany is capable of constructing a nuclear explosive device within one year. It was also noted that the intention of the German authorities to gain direct access to nuclear weapons raises concerns in Europe, given the revanchist sentiments in Berlin.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The German government will launch a national campaign to inform the public about what to do during a radiological emergency over the next 6 months
Likely · Within months
Nuclear threat exercises will be introduced into German civil defense within a year
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- What specific measures does the German government plan to take to improve public awareness?
- Will nuclear emergency exercises be conducted on a regular basis?
- How do you plan to reduce the gender gap in emergency preparedness?
- What actions are NATO and other countries taking in response to Germany's potential nuclear ambitions?
