Sustainable development and nuclear energyanalysing sustainability, security and non-proliferation challenges in the age of climate change

Abstract

In order to have sustainable development, climate change has to be mitigated; and countries need uninterrupted supply of energy from low carbon sources. Nuclear is a low carbon source of energy, providing base load electricity and energy security to more than 30 countries. However, due to its dual use characteristics nuclear energy has many safety and security challenges. Concerns over proliferation, safety, security and disposal of radioactive waste etc., are the impediments. These issues has been studied in this research and shows that comparing to other energy sources and technologies, nuclear has a comparative advantage, is a sustainable source of low carbon energy which meets the principles of sustainable development though some challenges on safety and radioactive waste remains to be addressed. The US-India CNC (case study) will enable India to generate more nuclear energy for sustainable development and help mitigate climate change. The proliferation and security concerns raised about this CNC are the result of the prevailing political and historical aspects which has to be addressed separately. The benefits of Civil Nuclear Cooperation don¿t induce nuclear weapons proliferation.