Climate Change

Climate change is profoundly reshaping ecosystems and threatening food and water security. Globally, agrifood systems are under strain, while freshwater resources are shrinking. The natural environment, including the oceans, is under threat.

Nuclear science and technology can help countries continue their progress towards sustainable development by addressing many of the unprecedented challenges the world faces today.

Countries are using nuclear science and techniques to enhance food and water security, protect the environment, produce clean energy and develop strategies to minimize harm to fragile coastal and marine ecosystems.  

The IAEA is helping countries realize the vast potential of nuclear science and technology, from supporting the introduction of clean nuclear energy to researching climate resilient agrifood systems in partnership with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. 

Nuclear techniques can help countries monitor and assess environmental changes, meaning they can understand ecosystem processes, enabling science-based policies that can provide resilient solutions in adapting to climate change.

See infographic below to learn more about the various ways in which nuclear techniques are being used to address climate change related challenges.