Speakers also reaffirmed that public and political acceptance remains a critical issue facing new plants in many countries. Importance of the climate debate and environment 15. A strong commitment to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide could have a dramatic positive effect on the prospects for nuclear power over the coming decades. Nearly all speakers mentioned the issue of climate change. On the other hand, many speakers emphasised the importance of renewable energy and energy conservation in helping to control emissions of carbon dioxide.
Environmental protection is a two-edged sword for nuclear power.
On the one hand, absence of CO 2 and other gaseous emissions is an acknowledged advantage. Nuclear power does not emit sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides or particulates. The effect of mining is relatively small for nuclear compared to fossil fuel extraction. Coal mines, for example, require the excavation of large volumes of earth. On the other hand, environmental concerns continue to constrain the use of nuclear power.