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Science for a Sustainable Future

10 November 2015
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Today is World Science Day for Peace and Development. Established by UNESCO in 2001, this day is set out to demonstrate why and how science is relevant to our daily lives. This year’s theme on ‘Science for a Sustainable Future’ highlights the essential role of science and scientific research in meeting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
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Here’s a look at a few different areas where nuclear science and technology and the IAEA can contribute to sustainable solutions for development problems many people face every day across the globe.Having enough food and clean water is a challenge faced by millions around the world.
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To face this challenge, many countries turn to nuclear science and techniques to help improve how they grow and handle food, manage water, and care for their livestock. This includes, among others, breeding new crop varieties, irradiating food and water to make it safer, controlling animal and plant pests and diseases, enhancing livestock reproduction and nutrition, and developing more effective ways to manage soil and water resources.Health is of critical importance to people’s lives and for achieving sustainable development. To help tackle debilitating health problems, nuclear science and technology are widely used for the diagnosis, treatment and management of cancer, cardiovascular disease and other health conditions.
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The IAEA helps to increase access to health care by supporting Member States, in particular in developing countries, with assistance in the form of equipment, expert guidance and training, and helping to facilitate knowledge exchanges for using nuclear techniques.Access to clean, reliable and affordable energy directly improves human welfare and fosters economic growth. 
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Nuclear power is a low-carbon energy source that can help limit carbon dioxide emissions, one of the main contributors to global warming and climate change. It is a part of how some countries are looking to meet growing energy demands.
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The IAEA supports the efficient and safe use of nuclear power by assisting and guiding countries at all stages of a nuclear power programme.
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(Photo: Public domain)Adverse environmental conditions can affect quality of life, food and water resources and agricultural development. 
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Studying the planet using nuclear and isotopic techniques can help in taking action to address these challenges. They are used, among others, to monitor pollution trends and assess their impacts, to analyse and better understand soil and water resources, and to improve global knowledge of the effects of climate change in both terrestrial and oceanic systems.Nuclear science and technology have great potential to contribute to health and prosperity. However, they can also be the basis for the development of nuclear weapons. 
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IAEA Safeguards delivers effective nuclear verification for world peace, performing an indispensable role in global efforts to stop the spread of nuclear weapons. This is carried out using, among others, nuclear-based equipment and with support from scientific analytical laboratories. 
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This is one way the IAEA works toward ensuring that scientific and technological pursuits, including nuclear and radiation-related activities, remain peaceful and properly managed as we build a more sustainable future.
Last update: 15 February 2018

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