#14 Nuclear energy preserves peace

(energy for all, it’s less chaos)

How does nuclear contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goal #16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions?

The signatories of the Non-Proliferation Treaty undertake not to pursue any nuclear weapons program and to cooperate on its peaceful uses.

National nuclear power programs contribute to peace. The development of these programs plays a key role in the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons: in exchange for access and cooperation on the peaceful uses of nuclear power, the countries which have signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) undertake not to pursue an atomic weapons program.

Compliance with the NPT is monitored through inspections conducted by the IAEA, ensuring that fissile material in NPT signatory countries is not diverted for weaponry.

Nuclear technologies can also help enhance security in other areas. Neutron scanners can be used to detect explosives, drugs or weapons, with applications in airport security, forensics and crime scene investigation.

The full report of the World Nuclear Association is available here.