A Guide to Energy Geography: Nuclear Energy, War & Peace

Energy resources and technologies are intertwined with geopolitics and war.  Nuclear energy technology is arguably one of the most controversial of these.  The international peace and anti-nuclear movements, as well as various physical and social scientists, have cautioned against the separation of civilian nuclear programs for electricity production from nuclear weapons programs.  Such analysts are skeptical not only of nuclear power’s depiction as peaceful and safe but also as “clean.” On the other hand, nuclear energy is often promoted as a reliable, low carbon alternative to fossil fuels.  Many working on solutions to climate change assert that modern nuclear technologies are essential to meeting electricity needs in our current and future energy systems.  Use the resources on this tab to explore further!