The global average amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide hit an all-time high in 2024, according to an article by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Fossil fuels contribute to nearly 90% of these carbon emissions and are a major cause of pollution. Emissions trap the sun’s heat, warming the planet and contributing to a global warming crisis.
Unfortunately, fossil fuels such as oil and coal dominate the energy industry. Yet, there is another source of energy that can lower carbon emissions and possibly reverse global warming: nuclear energy.
Nuclear energy is found in an atom’s nucleus. Through nuclear fusion and fission — a process in which the nucleus is split — carbon-free energy can be produced. In the United States, nuclear energy generates nearly 775 billion kilowatthours of electricity each year, according to a 2024 article by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Despite this, nuclear energy is widely underutilized, with it comprising less than 10% of the world’s energy source. However, its advantages largely outweigh the temporary benefits of fossil fuels.
Nuclear energy prevents more than 471 million metric tons of carbon from being released into the atmosphere each year. This can be incredibly effective at reducing global warming pollutants, given that in 2023, fossil fuels contributed to 40.9 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide. These fossil fuels worsen ocean acidification, extreme weather and rising sea levels, all of which pose a major threat to life on earth.
Fossil fuels are also extremely harmful for humans’ physical health. According to an article by the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, air pollution from fossil fuels can lead to asthma, cancer, heart disease and premature death. Globally, fossil fuels are responsible for one in five deaths.
On the other hand, nuclear power plants are subject to the strictest safety regulations of any industrial sector. They are also equipped with the safest technology, meant to prevent accidents and minimize their impact if an accident does occur.
A common argument against nuclear energy safety includes the major reactor accident Chernobyl. According to an article by the World Nuclear Association, the accident occurred from a flawed reactor design that was operated with inadequately trained personnel.
Although this accident resulted in deaths, there have only been two major reactor accidents in the history of nuclear energy, as stated in an article from the World Nuclear Association. When compared to the thousands of deaths that fossil fuels have caused, it is clear that nuclear energy is the safer option.
Additionally, nuclear energy creates new employment opportunities. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, domestic nuclear power plants can employ up to 800 workers, each with a salary that is 50% higher than those working with other energy sources. Higher salaries would allow nuclear plant employees to have adequate financial support for themselves and their families.
Nuclear plants are also taxpayers, providing a significant stream of revenue for local governments, school districts and emergency services. Furthermore, the presence of a nuclear power plant creates demands for other local infrastructure, such as transportation networks and water supply systems. This spillover effect will benefit communities.
According to an article by the World Nuclear Association, very little nuclear waste is actually generated by nuclear reactors despite media and film commonly portraying the contrary. Furthermore, the amount of radiation that actually is released into the atmosphere would make no difference to the natural environment. Thus, the notion of toxic waste can be disproved.
Other countries have already switched from relying mostly on fossil fuels to deriving their electricity from nuclear power plants. For example, France obtains about 70% of its energy from nuclear energy.
Despite other countries’ success with nuclear energy, the U.S. continues to use fossil fuels. This is because gas companies — such as Chevron — often advocate for the consumption of fossil fuels as a way to maximize their revenue. They often oppose regulations that negatively impact their operations.
By introducing more nuclear plants in the U.S., cleaner and safer energy can be produced, catering to billions of people who currently rely on dangerous fossil fuels. Pollution could be reduced, reversing the harm that humans have done to the planet for thousands of years. It is imperative that the issue of environmentally sustainable energy is addressed to ensure that future generations can enjoy a pollution-free earth.
