The issue of nuclear energy’s role in tackling climate change found its way to the forefront at COP29, with strong advocacy from Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). His emphatic message centered on the necessity for inclusive financing for nuclear initiatives, which he believes is pivotal for achieving global decarbonization targets.
During his conversation with reporters from AFP, Grossi underscored the urgent need for funding from international financial institutions to accelerate nuclear energy development. Although there have been promising discussions with notable stakeholders, like the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), various political and cultural barriers have made it difficult to fully incorporate nuclear solutions within broader climate strategies.
Particularly for developing nations, Grossi highlighted the importance of specificity and support. Countries like Ghana, Kenya, and Morocco are considering adopting small modular reactors (SMRs), which are gaining popularity as well-suited solutions for their unique capabilities and climate goals. Similarly, nations across Asia, including Malaysia and the Philippines, are taking serious strides toward exploring nuclear options.
Yet, embarking on developing nuclear infrastructure isn't without its challenges. It necessitates well-defined safety and regulatory frameworks to safeguard public health and security. Here, the IAEA positions itself as key, providing structured programs for nations new to nuclear energy, ensuring their projects adhere to international safety standards and practices.
An exemplary case pointed out by the IAEA is the remarkable progress made by the United Arab Emirates. Despite its earlier lack of nuclear capabilities, the country successfully established a reliable and safe nuclear program, thanks to the dedicated guidance of the IAEA. Grossi pointed out this achievement clearly demonstrates how nations without prior nuclear operations can adopt this technology efficiently if they commit the necessary resources and meet rigorous safety standards.
Yet, it’s not just developing countries eyeing nuclear energy; Eastern Europe also stands as fertile ground for nuclear expansion. With proper funding and investment, these countries have the potential to reduce energy dependency on external suppliers and align with their climate commitments. The IAEA continues advocating for nuclear's role within the global trade of energy, firmly believing financial support is required to advance nuclear projects and protect public safety.
On the international stage, the dynamics at COP29 also became noteworthy. Amidst the backdrop of Grossi's speeches, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also seized the opportunity to shed light on his nation’s environmental ambitions. Tokayev addressed the World Climate Summit held recently in Baku, Azerbaijan, expressing Kazakhstan’s commitment to the global climate agenda.
He reiterated Kazakhstan's goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 and emphasized the need for international collaboration and technology exchange to reach this target. He expressed confidence stating, “Access to predictable funding and state-of-the-art technology is key” to overcoming barriers faced by nations, particularly those categorized as most vulnerable to climate change.
Tokayev showcased Kazakhstan’s remarkable resources, pointing out the country’s significant share of global uranium supply as pivotal for the development of low-carbon nuclear power capabilities. Notably, he mentioned the country’s recent referendum where citizens supported the plan for constructing nuclear power plants, showcasing the government’s commitment toward sustainable energy.
Yet, challenges loom over the global water crisis, with Tokayev indicating climate change's severe disruption to the water cycles around the world, leading to natural disasters. Highlighting Kazakhstan's efforts, he noted the nation's partnership with France to address water management issues, stating, “Climate change is already seriously impacting the global water cycles.” This leads to initiatives like the upcoming One Water Summit set to tackle discussion points around global water management.
During his talk at the summit, he also drew attention to the ecological plight facing the Caspian Sea, asserting the need for prolonged, collaborative international efforts to safeguard this significant water body alongside actions aimed at preserving the Aral Sea.
Kazakhstan isn’t merely vocal about environmental initiatives but has already implemented numerous projects aimed at improving its ecological footprint. Projects like the Astana Green Belt aim to ameliorate air quality and promote urban green spaces. At the same time, the country is engaged with multi-year efforts to revitalize the Aral Sea ecosystem through environmental restoration and increased biodiversity.
Recognizing the pressing need for greater environmental awareness, Kazakhstan’s government initiated the “Taza Kazakhstan,” or “Clean Kazakhstan” campaign. This strategic approach is set to ramp up waste recycling from 25% to 38% by 2029 and develop environmental education across schools, engaging the public deeply with climate action.
The broader COP29 event, though, saw its share of stirred sentiments, particularly around attendance levels of global leaders. High-profile absences from major political figures like U.S. President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and French President Emmanuel Macron raised eyebrows, drawing activists' ire including Greta Thunberg, who criticized the summit for being hosted by Azerbaijan—highlighting its problematic human rights record.
Thunberg's strong stance against the summit’s legitimacy echoed through her rallying efforts. She pointedly accused Azerbaijan of exploiting climate discussions to legitimize its state agenda, insisting on the imperative for ethical representation of nations involved.
Kazakhstan’s actions and commitments at COP29 reflect both its ambitions and hurdles, vividly showcasing the converging interests of nuclear energy, international climate agreements, and grassroots ecological initiatives—a microcosm of global dynamics at play amid the urgent calls for climate action.
The terrain of nuclear energy and climate challenges at COP29 emerged as more than just meetings and discussions; it’s shaping up as the battleground to delineate the future of energy sourcing globally, emphasizing the collaborative efforts needed to carve sustainable pathways for nations, especially those prone to climate vulnerabilities.
