What is a significant advantage of using nuclear power over fossil fuels?

Nuclear power is considered an effective energy source with a significant advantage over fossil fuels primarily due to its lower contribution to global climate change. Unlike fossil fuel combustion, which releases significant amounts of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, nuclear power generates electricity through nuclear fission. This process does not emit carbon dioxide during operation. As climate change becomes an increasingly pressing issue, the ability of nuclear power to provide large amounts of energy with minimal direct emissions makes it a vital player in strategies aimed at reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions.

While nuclear power does create some waste, particularly in the form of spent nuclear fuel, it produces far less waste in terms of volume and overall hazard compared to the ongoing emissions and environmental degradation associated with fossil fuels. This clear distinction positions nuclear energy as a more environmentally friendly option for addressing the urgent challenge of climate change.

In contrast, the cost of building nuclear plants is often higher than fossil fuel plants due to more rigorous safety standards and longer construction timelines. Moreover, while nuclear energy can contribute to certain forms of transportation, it is not extensively deployed across most public transportation systems in practice today. Therefore, the major advantage lies in its lower impact on climate change compared to fossil fuel energy sources.