Nuclear energy is an indispensable tool for achieving global sustainable development goals because it has a crucial role in key areas including decarbonising the energy sector, eliminating poverty, reducing hunger and increasing economic growth, a report by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) concludes.

The report says nuclear energy can help achieve zero hunger, provide clean water, affordable energy and promote industry innovation.

According to UNECE, nuclear energy helps to power sustainable food production. In addition, many countries use nuclear techniques to develop sustainable agricultural practices, establish and improve nutrition programmes and ensure stable supplies of quality food.

The sterile insect technique – a method of pest control that uses radiation – for example, is providing a powerful line of defence against agriculture’s most damaging pests. Water desalination projects can also be nuclear powered and help to build climate resilience in agriculture.