What role does nuclear energy play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions?

Nuclear energy plays a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions primarily because it produces electricity with minimal direct carbon dioxide emissions compared to fossil fuel sources. When electricity is generated from nuclear power plants, the process involves nuclear fission, which does not produce carbon dioxide as a byproduct. In contrast, burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, or natural gas for electricity generation releases large quantities of CO2 into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.

Nuclear energy facilities operate continuously and can provide a stable, base-load power supply, making them a viable alternative to fossil fuels. While there are other environmental considerations associated with nuclear energy, such as waste management and the potential for accidents, the absence of direct CO2 emissions during the operation of these plants supports efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change. Thus, nuclear energy emerges as an important option in the energy mix for achieving lower overall greenhouse gas emissions in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.