IAEA Forum to explore role of nuclear technology to address climate change

The two-day event, Nuclear Technology for Climate: Mitigation, Monitoring, and Adaptation, will commence on 18 September 2018 at Vienna International Centre (VIC).

High-level experts from over 20 countries will meet in Vienna, Austria next week at the annual IAEA Scientific Forum to discuss the contribution of nuclear technology in the fight against climate change. 

The two-day event, Nuclear Technology for Climate: Mitigation, Monitoring, and Adaptation, will commence on 18 September 2018 at Vienna International Centre (VIC).

Climate change is one of today’s biggest environmental challenges. Its impacts are becoming more visible with frequent extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and the spread of plant and animal diseases and insect pests. Nuclear technology plays a vital role in addressing these challenges and could become increasingly important in helping countries to meet climate goals.

The forum will hold a discussion on:

• Role of nuclear power in limiting CO2 emissions will highlight how nuclear power can contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions while securing sufficient energy to drive economic growth. To meet climate change goals by 2050, 80 percent of electricity will need to be produced by a low-carbon source. Today, nuclear power produces 10 percent of the world’s electricity and a third of the world’s low-carbon electricity. The session will look at the potential for expanding nuclear power, including the role of innovation, along with challenges that could limit its growth.
• Monitoring and measuring change will focus on how nuclear techniques are advancing our understanding of climate change and its effects, such as ocean warming and acidification, and how they can further assist countries in managing key resources, such as water.  
• Adapting to a changing environment will explore how nuclear techniques are used to breed more resilient crops, enhance animal productivity, address risks to food safety, and fight the growing threat posed by insect pests and animal diseases.