COP26: The Indispensable Role of Nuclear Power SYNOPSIS COMMENTARY

The peaceful use of nuclear science and technology was strongly represented and articulated through the events organised by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at COP26, with the goal of contributing to an informed debate on the benefits of nuclear power and applications. [...] What do nuclear energy and technology actually bring to the table? Nuclear Power for a Low-Carbon Future? Thirty-two countries operate nuclear power plants, which provide 10% of the world’s electricity and more than one quarter of all low-carbon electricity. [...] However, there are key concerns associated with nuclear power such as nuclear safety and security issues; the need to update nuclear regulatory, emergency preparedness and response frameworks; the intractable nuclear waste issue; and more importantly, public acceptance to solidify the role of nuclear in addressing climate change. [...] Several countries in the region have yet to ratify key global nuclear safety and security treaties such as the Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS) and the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM), although gradual progress in this regard has been seen in the region in recent years. [...] The nuclear discussions at COP26 demonstrated how governments, farmers and scientists can boost resilience to the impacts of climate change and institutionalise more sustainable management of land and water resources using nuclear science and technology.