How nuclear science and technology help protect the environment

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Home
News
How nuclear science and technology help protect the environment

November 14, 2025

Emma Midgley, Public Information and Communications Bureau

The IAEA is participating in COP30 to showcase how nuclear science and technology help countries secure clean energy, strengthen food security, manage water resources and protect oceans.

World leaders, representatives of international organizations and businesses, scientists, and environmental activists are attending COP30 in Belém, where the IAEA is demonstrating how nuclear science and technology can help address environmental challenges. Nuclear science not only provides the world with reliable and clean energy but also supports scientists monitoring and protecting ecosystems, improving food security, and reducing pollution.

Visitors to the IAEA Atoms4Climate pavilion can see these innovations in action. For example, in Brazil, electron beam processing technology is transforming industrial wastewater treatment. Latin American countries are using nuclear technology to combat insect pests, protect crops, and promote food exports, benefiting farmers, consumers, and the environment.

The first tube contains untreated wastewater containing textile dye, the second contains water after irradiation, and the third contains water treated with a higher dose of radiation. Photo: IAEA

1. Electron beam processing for industrial wastewater treatment

Treating wastewater containing industrial pollutants remains a serious challenge for many countries. Using its electron beam processing technology, the IAEA helps countries develop innovative solutions that break down complex pollutants and improve water quality without the use of chemicals.

With the support of the IAEA and the Brazilian Innovation Agency (FINEP), a portable electron beam accelerator system has been deployed in Brazil to treat industrial wastewater, improving water quality and contributing to environmental protection.

Mangroves in coastal areas absorb and store organic carbon. Photo: Adobe Stock

2. Protecting the world's oceans through ecosystems that act as reservoirs of blue carbon

The IAEA's Marine Environment Laboratories in Monaco support blue carbon initiatives, focusing on mangroves, seagrasses, and tidal marshes—coastal ecosystems that capture and store organic carbon. Using nuclear and isotopic techniques, the IAEA helps countries assess carbon accumulation rates and ecosystem health, contributing to climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation.

At COP30, the IAEA's work on blue carbon will be highlighted in a UN-Oceans session on "Ocean, Climate, and Biodiversity Nexus: Harnessing Synergies Across Approaches," which focuses on building partnerships to find nature-based solutions.

3. The sterile insect method as a component of climate-smart agriculture

The sterile insect technique (SIT) is an environmentally friendly insect pest control method used to suppress populations of harmful fruit flies in Brazil, Mexico, and Chile. Sometimes referred to as a fertility control method, SIT involves releasing male insects sterilized using radiation into the wild, where they mate with naturally occurring females but do not produce offspring. SIT reduces the need for insecticides, protects crops, and opens up access to international markets for food exports.

At COP30, this method is presented as part of efforts to achieve climate-smart agriculture using nuclear science and techniques.

4. Monitoring the state of glaciers and water resources in mountainous areas

Glaciers are retreating and even disappearing in many mountainous areas, threatening the water supply of millions of people. The IAEA is supporting countries, including Bolivia, in using nuclear techniques, such as cosmic neutron source probes and isotope hydrology, to measure soil moisture and water availability in high-mountain ecosystems. These tools help scientists and decision-makers assess the impact of glacier retreat on water resources and provide guidance on sustainable land management.

At COP30, the IAEA is presenting this area of its work at the session "Nuclear Science for Building Resilience to Climate Change," which coincides with the UN's International Year of Glaciers, 2025. The session will highlight how nuclear applications empower local communities to adapt to changing conditions.

ITER is an international project aimed at demonstrating the scientific and technological feasibility of producing energy through nuclear fusion. Photo: ITER

5. Fusion energy and the fight against climate change: the dialogue continues

As the world searches for new sources of clean energy, research into fusion energy is gaining momentum. At COP30, the IAEA will present the current state of research in fusion, including the progress of the ITER international project in France, which is the world's largest experimental thermonuclear facility.

The session will present an overview of the current state of affairs in the field of fusion energy, including the development of various international, national and private projects, as well as conclusions based on the publication "Global Fusion: The IAEA 2025 Review".

The IAEA countries supports in identifying pathways to accelerate the deployment of nuclear power. (Photo: Adobe Stock)

6. Low-carbon energy financing strategies

Building on the results of the global stocktake held at COP28, the IAEA is supporting countries to identify ways to accelerate the deployment of nuclear power, alongside renewable energy and emission reduction and removal technologies, particularly in sectors where emissions are difficult to reduce and in low-carbon hydrogen production.

The COP will also focus on accelerating the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs). SMRs offer flexible and cost-effective solutions for small power grids, making them suitable for use in energy-intensive industries, data centers, and commercial vessels. The IAEA event will explore approaches to financing, policy, and regulation of SMRs.

Related resources

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.