This World Environment Day, we spotlight ways nuclear science is helping countries address some of today’s most pressing environmental challenges. From strengthening energy security to protecting ecosystems and crops, the IAEA is supporting countries around the world in harnessing nuclear science and technology for a more sustainable future
By Monika Shifotoka, IAEA Office of Public Information and Communication
1. Advancing Clean Energy
Nuclear power is one of the largest sources of low-carbon electricity globally.
According to the IAEA’s Power Reactor Information System (PRIS), as of June 1, 2026, 415 reactors were in operation worldwide, providing 379.0 GW(e) of nuclear capacity and supplying low carbon electricity to millions of people worldwide.
Momentum to include nuclear in the energy mix is on the rise globally. At the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, nuclear energy was included in the first Global Stocktake, which called for its accelerated deployment alongside other low carbon energy sources.
Since then 38 countries have endorsed the Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy, signalling a collective ambition to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050.
The IAEA supports countries in evaluating, planning, and safely expanding nuclear energy. It provides data and analyses on how nuclear power can contribute to energy security and decarbonization. The IAEA also works with Member States to build skills, encourages innovation and strengthens countries’ capacities to plan and manage their energy systems.
Efforts to expand access to financing for nuclear energy programmes are also gaining momentum through cooperation with international financial institutions. The IAEA is working with partners including the World Bank Group, the Asian Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the OPEC Fund to help expand access to finance for nuclear energy programmes.
2. Tackling Plastic Pollution
Every year, around 20 million tonnes of plastic end up in the ocean, rivers, and lakes — disrupting ecosystems and livelihoods. While many plastic products are not designed to be reused and recycled, others can only be recycled once or twice.
The IAEA’s NUTEC Plastics initiative helps countries research microplastics already in the seas and uses nuclear techniques to improve plastic sorting and recycling, ultimately reducing the flow of plastic waste into the oceans.
Radiation technology can also transform plastic waste into more durable, stronger and higher value products. For example, radiation can enhance the performance of concrete by partially replacing cement with recycled plastics. Meanwhile, nuclear techniques are improving the sorting and separation of polymers in mixed plastic waste streams.
3. Managing Water Challenges with Nuclear Science
Beyond electricity generation, nuclear techniques are used to address environmental issues such as water scarcity, pollution, and ecosystem degradation.
Climate dynamics affect the sources and distribution of rain and snow worldwide. This can change river flows and replenishment of aquifers.
The IAEA supports countries through its isotope hydrology laboratories, applying nuclear and isotopic techniques to track water resources, assess groundwater sustainability, and improve water management—critical in regions facing climate-induced droughts and stress.
For example, through its the technical cooperation programme, the IAEA has supported a regional project in the Sahel, where scientists from 13 African countries jointly analysed shared groundwater resources using isotope hydrology. This work helped identify large reserves of good quality groundwater and improved cross-border cooperation for sustainable water management. The IAEA also supports the monitoring of glaciers and water resources in mountainous regions in countries such as Bolivia.
4. Building Resilient, Climate-Smart Food Systems
Nuclear science and technologies play an important role in enabling farmers to adopt climate-smart agriculture – an integrated approach to managing agrifood systems through the adoption of agricultural practices and technology that can be used to sustainably develop agricultural productivity, adapt and build resilience to climate change.
The IAEA supports countries in using nuclear and isotopic techniques to improve soil fertility, water management and crop productivity. For example, in Mali, the IAEA supported smallholder farmers in using isotope techniques to track how crops absorb water and fertiliser, enabling more precise use of inputs. This approach increased average yields by 20% for cereals and by 17% for legumes, helping farmers improve food security while making more efficient use of resources.
In Asia, the IAEA and FAO have supported farmers in countries such as Bangladesh, Myanmar and Viet Nam in using isotopic techniques to optimize water and fertilizer use in rice production. These practices have led to higher yields, sometimes more than doubling, while improving resource efficiency and resilience to climate change.
