Reevaluating Nuclear Energy's Challenges and Potentials in Addressing Global Warming Amid Ambiguous Scenarios Shaped by Prior Concerns and Apprehensions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58425/jegs.v4i1.337Keywords:
Nuclear energy, historical risks, waste, global warming, carbon dioxide, SWOT, fossil fuelsAbstract
Given the rise in temperatures to more than 1.5C as a result of reliance on fossil energy sources, the world has begun to realize the seriousness of the situation on aspects of life that humans will witness at the end of the twenty-first century if measures are not taken to reduce the rise in temperatures. Hence, in this work, we studied the significance of nuclear energy and analyzed the strengths, weaknesses, and discrepancies (SWOT) with stress on analyzing 47 studies that discuss different aspects. In this work, we focused on the critical of nuclear energy and its sustainable role in diminishing the phenomenon of global warming by investigating nuclear energy scenarios, as it is clear that nuclear energy has distinguished potential in bridging the energy gap that will occur due to the depletion of fossil fuel sources in the next four decades, and that concentrating on sustainable sources such as nuclear energy, which is characterized by an elevated production capacity, can be the vital source that covers different aspects. In addition, the downside of this study spotlighted is the concerns of nuclear energy waste, which is counterproductive and considered by a group of decision-makers and researchers to be a hopeless case, in addition to the historical risks caused by such as Fukushima and Chornobyl, which still have numerous people reconsidering the reliance on nuclear energy as a result of these historical perils.
References
Thirthar, A. A., Jawad, S., & Abbasi, M. A. (2025). The modified predator–prey model response to the effects of global warming, wind flow, fear, and hunting cooperation. International Journal of Dynamics and Control, 13(1), 1-13.
Lura, P., Lunati, I., Desing, H., Heuberger, M., Bach, C., & Richner, P. (2025). Mining the atmosphere: A concrete solution to global warming. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 212, 107968.
Kemp, L., Xu, C., Depledge, J., Ebi, K. L., Gibbins, G., Kohler, T. A., ... & Lenton, T. M. (2022). Climate Endgame: Exploring catastrophic climate change scenarios. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 119(34), e2108146119.
Elhacham, E., Ben-Uri, L., Grozovski, J., Bar-On, Y.M., Milo, R., 2020. Global humanmade mass exceeds all living biomass. Nature 588 (7838), 442–444. https://doi.org/ 10.1038/s41586-020-3010-5.
Mondal, S., & Lee, M. A. (2025). Impact of Global Warming on Fisheries. In Food Security, Nutrition and Sustainability Through Aquaculture Technologies (pp. 227-253). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
Hossain, N. J. (2030). A Projection How to Reduce Global Warming to 1.5 C By 2100.
Iriti, M., & Vitalini, S. (2025). Climate change, natural disasters, armed conflicts and migrations at the crossroads between food and nutrition insecurity and undernourishment. Functional Food Science-Online ISSN: 2767-3146, 5(1), 1-5.
Nimma, D., Devi, O. R., Laishram, B., Ramesh, J. V. N., Boddupalli, S., Ayyasamy, R., ... & Arabil, A. (2025). Implications of climate change on freshwater ecosystems and their biodiversity. Desalination and Water Treatment, 321, 100889.
Miao, Y., Bukhari, A. A. A., Bukhari, W. A. A., Ahmad, S., & Hayat, N. (2025). Why fossil fuels stifle green economic growth? An environmental management perspective in assessing the spatial spillover impact of energy consumption in South Asia. Journal of Environmental Management, 373, 123471.
Borowski, P. F. (2022). Mitigating climate change and the development of green energy versus a return to fossil fuels due to the energy crisis in 2022. Energies, 15(24), 9289.
Lesnikowski, A.; Biesbroek, R.; Ford, J.D.; Berrang-Ford, L. Policy implementation styles and local governments: The case of climate change adaptation. Environ. Politics 2021, 30, 753–790.
Crecente, F.; Sarabia, M.; del Val, M.T. Climate change policy and entrepreneurial opportunities. Technol. Forecast. Soc. Chang. 2021, 163, 120446.
What Are the Solutions to Climate Change? Available online: https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/challenges/climate-change/ solutions-climate-change/ (accessed on 10 October 2022).
Borowski, P.F. Management of Energy Enterprises in Zero-Emission Conditions: Bamboo as an Innovative Biomass for the Production of Green Energy by Power Plants. Energies 2022, 15, 1928.
Hayes, R. B. (2022). Nuclear energy myths versus facts support it's expanded use-a review. Cleaner Energy Systems, 2, 100009.
van Kooten, G. C., Duan, J., & Lynch, R. (2016). Is there a future for nuclear power? Wind and emission reduction targets in fossil-fuel Alberta. PloS one, 11(11), e0165822.
Bistline, J., Bragg-Sitton, S., Cole, W., Dixon, B., Eschmann, E., Ho, J., ... & Sowder, A. (2023). Modeling nuclear energy’s future role in decarbonized energy systems. IScience, 26(2).
Hill, D. J. (2008). Nuclear energy for the future. Nature Materials, 7(9), 680-682.
Polat, M. A., Savranlar, B., & Arslan, F. (2024). How Does Nuclear Energy Affect Environmental Pollution? Evidence from the United States. ETIKONOMI, 23(2), 511-526.
Hassan, S. T., Baloch, M. A., & Tarar, Z. H. (2020). Is nuclear energy a better alternative for mitigating CO2 emissions in BRICS countries? An empirical analysis. Nuclear Engineering and Technology, 52(12), 2969-2974.
K. Saidi, M. Ben Mbarek, Progress in Nuclear Energy Nuclear energy, renewable energy, CO 2 emissions, and economic growth for nine developed countries : evidence from panel Granger causality tests, Prog. Nucl. Energy 88 (2016) 364e374, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnucene.2016.01.018.
L. Lau, C. Choong, C. Ng, F. Liew, S. Ching, Is nuclear energy clean ? Revisit of Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis in OECD countries, Econ. Modell. 77 (2020) 12e20, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econmod.2018.09.015.
N. Mahmood, K. Danish, Z. Wang, B. Zhang, The role of nuclear energy in the correction of environmental pollution: evidence from Pakistan, Nucl. Eng. Technol. (2019), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.net.2019.11.027.
Saidi, K., & Mbarek, M. B. (2016). Nuclear energy, renewable energy, CO2 emissions, and economic growth for nine developed countries: Evidence from panel Granger causality tests. Progress in Nuclear Energy, 88, 364-374.
Hoffert, M.I., Caldeira, K., Benford, G., Criswell, D.R., Green, C., Herzog, H., Jain, A.K., Kheshgi, H.S., Lackner, K.S., Lewis, J.S., Lightfoot, H.D., Manheimer, W., Mankins, J.C., Mauel, M.E., Perkins, L.J., Schlesinger, M.E., Volk, T., Wigley, T.M.L., 2002. Advanced technology paths to global climate stability: energy for a greenhouse planet. Science 298, 981e987.
Service, R.F., 2005. News focus, is it time to shoot for the Sun? Science 309, 548.
Rohatgi, U., Jo, J.H., Lee, J.C., Bari, R.A., 2002. Impact of the nuclear option on the environment and the economy. Nucl. Technol. 137, 252e264.
Burek, S. (2010). When will fossil fuels finally run out and what is the technical potential for renewable energy resources? International Journal of COMADEM, 13(4).
Fawzy, S., Osman, A. I., Doran, J., & Rooney, D. W. (2020). Strategies for mitigation of climate change: a review. Environmental Chemistry Letters, 18, 2069-2094.
Atilola, A. S., & Chime, T. (2023). Assessing the Impact of Fossil Fuel Emission on Quality of Life and Health of Individuals Living in Delta State Nigeria. European Journal of Engineering and Environmental Sciences| EJEES, 7(3), 1-11.]
Shah, I. H., Manzoor, M. A., Jinhui, W., Li, X., Hameed, M. K., Rehaman, A., ... & Chang, L. (2024). Comprehensive review: Effects of climate change and greenhouse gases emission relevance to environmental stress on horticultural crops and management. Journal of Environmental Management, 351, 119978.].
Ayoko, V. O., & Ayoko, D. O. (2024). Global Warming: A Threat to Sustainable Administration of Schools and the Roles of Open, Distance and E-Learning (ODeL) in Mitigating and Adapting to the Impacts.
Chen, X., Fu, Q., & Chang, C. P. (2021). What are the shocks of climate change on clean energy investment: A diversified exploration? Energy Economics, 95, 105136.].
Cai, Y., Ding, Z., & Xu, Y. (2024). Global Warming: Predictive Models and Correlation Analysis. Frontiers of Engineering and Scientific Research, 4(2), 25-25.
Wei, X., Bohnett, E., & An, L. (2025). Assessing US public perceptions of global warming using social survey and climate data. MethodsX, 14, 103081.
Tong, S., & Ebi, K. (2019). Preventing and mitigating health risks of climate change. Environmental research, 174, 9-13.
Jian-Bin, H., Shao-Wu, W., Yong, L., Zong-Ci, Z., & Xin-Yu, W. (2012). Debates on the causes of global warming. Advances in climate change research, 3(1), 38-44.
Kanna, V., Roseline, S., Balamurugan, K., Jeeva, S., & Santhiyagu, I. A. (2024). The Effects of Greenhouse Gas Emissions on Global Warming.
Friedman, L. S., Abasilim, C., Fitts, R., & Wueste, M. (2020). Clinical outcomes of temperature related injuries treated in the hospital setting, 2011–2018. Environmental research, 189, 109882.
Barbir, F., Veziroǧlu, T. N., & Plass Jr, H. J. (1990). Environmental damage due to fossil fuels use. International journal of hydrogen energy, 15(10), 739-749.
Ali, M., Samour, A., Soomro, S. A., Khalid, W., & Tursoy, T. (2025). A step towards a sustainable environment in top-10 nuclear energy consumer countries: The role of financial globalization and nuclear energy. Nuclear Engineering and Technology, 57(1), 103142.
Pieńkowski, D. (2024). Is nuclear energy really sustainable? A critical analysis on the example of the Polish energy transition plan. Energy for Sustainable Development, 78, 101376.
Eggers, S., Youngblood, R., Li, R., & Le Blanc, K. (2025). Reducing Digital Risks and Improving Reliability in Nuclear Power Integrated Energy Systems. Nuclear Engineering and Technology, 103466.].
Nighoskar, A., Chaurasia, P., & Singh, N. (2024). Advancing nuclear energy forecasting: Exploring regression modeling techniques for improved accuracy. Nuclear Engineering and Technology, 103144.
Hjelmeland, M., Nøland, J. K., Backe, S., & Korpås, M. (2025). The role of nuclear energy and baseload demand in capacity expansion planning for low-carbon power systems. Applied Energy, 377, 124366.
Popa, V., & Cocoș, O. (2021). Nuclear energy in the context of climate change. Central European Journal of Geography and Sustainable Development, 3(2), 17-25.
Al Kindi, A. A., Aunedi, M., Pantaleo, A. M., Strbac, G., & Markides, C. N. (2022). Thermo-economic assessment of flexible nuclear power plants in future low-carbon electricity systems: Role of thermal energy storage. Energy Conversion and Management, 258, 115484.
Li, Z., Huang, S., Liu, X., & Wu, H. (2024). “Energy‒environment” life cycle assessment and comparison of a nuclear-based hydrogen production system. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 96, 351-359.
Kartal, M. T., Depren, S. K., Ayhan, F., & Ulussever, T. (2024). Quantile-based heterogeneous effects of nuclear energy and political stability on the environment in highly nuclear energy-consuming and politically stable countries. Applied Energy, 365, 123237.
Teng, W., Islam, M. M., Vasa, L., Abbas, S., & Shahzad, U. (2024). Impacts of nuclear energy, greener energy, and economic progress on the load capacity factor: What we learn from the leading nuclear power economies?. Geoscience Frontiers, 15(3), 101739.
McCombie, C., & Jefferson, M. (2016). Renewable and nuclear electricity: Comparison of environmental impacts. Energy Policy, 96, 758-769.
Bogomolov, V., Zibtsev, S., Myroniuk, V., Holiaka, D., Soshenskyi, O., Gumeniuk, V., ... & Zibtseva, I. (2024). Performance of the Daily Fire Hazard Index within territories contaminated by the Chornobyl nuclear disaster. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 105159.
Kumar, A. V., Patra, A. K., Tiwari, S. N., Baburajan, A., Gautam, Y. P., Vijayakumar, B., ... & Aswal, D. K. (2024). Negligible radiological impact of Indian nuclear power plants on the environment and the public: Findings from a 20-year study. Science of The Total Environment, 914, 169936.].
Klingelhöfer, D., Braun, M., Oremek, G. M., Brüggmann, D., & Groneberg, D. A. (2024). Global research on nuclear energy in the context of health and environmental risks, considering economic interests. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Energy and Environment, 13(1), e497.
Höffken, J., & Ramana, M. V. (2024). Nuclear power and environmental injustice. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Energy and Environment, 13(1), e498.
Al Mubarak, F., Rezaee, R., & Wood, D. A. (2024). Economic, societal, and environmental impacts of available energy sources: a review. Eng, 5(3), 1232-1265.
Soto, G. H., & Martinez-Cobas, X. (2024). Nuclear energy generation's impact on the CO2 emissions and ecological footprint among European Union countries. Science of The Total Environment, 945, 173844.
Petrenko, L. D., & Sh, S. B. (2022). Prospects for Nuclear Energy in the Framework of Implementation of the Sustainable Development Concept. Финансовый журнал, 14(5), 59-70.
Adamantiades, A., & Kessides, I. (2009). Nuclear power for sustainable development: current status and future prospects. Energy Policy, 37(12), 5149-5166.
Gralla, F., John, B., Abson, D. J., Møller, A. P., Bickel, M., Lang, D. J., & von Wehrden, H. (2016). The role of sustainability in nuclear energy plans—What do national energy strategies tell us?. Energy research & social science, 22, 94-106.
Anser, M. K., Ahmad, M., Khan, M. A., Nassani, A. A., Askar, S. E., Zaman, K., ... & Kabbani, A. (2021). Progress in nuclear energy with carbon pricing to achieve environmental sustainability agenda: on the edge of one’s seat. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 28, 34328-34343.
Sadiq, M., Shinwari, R., Wen, F., Usman, M., Hassan, S. T., & Taghizadeh-Hesary, F. (2023). Do globalization and nuclear energy intensify the environmental costs in top nuclear energy-consuming countries? Progress in Nuclear Energy, 156, 104533.
Gao, W., Ullah, S., Zafar, S. M., & Usman, A. (2024). How does nuclear energy consumption contribute to or hinder green growth in major nuclear energy-consuming countries?. Progress in Nuclear Energy, 170, 105111.
Khan, I., Tan, D., Hassan, S. T., & Bilal. (2022). Role of alternative and nuclear energy in stimulating environmental sustainab.
Yue, X., Peng, M. Y. P., Anser, M. K., Nassani, A. A., Haffar, M., & Zaman, K. (2022). The role of carbon taxes, clean fuels, and renewable energy in promoting sustainable development: How green is nuclear energy?. Renewable Energy, 193, 167-178.
Ullah, S., & Lin, B. (2024). Green energy dynamics: Analyzing the environmental impacts of renewable, hydro, and nuclear energy consumption in Pakistan. Renewable Energy, 232, 121025.
Imran, M., Zaman, K., Nassani, A. A., Dincă, G., & Haffar, M. (2024). Does nuclear energy reduce carbon emissions despite using fuels and chemicals? Transition to clean energy and finance for green solutions. Geoscience Frontiers, 15(4), 101608.
Kartal, M. T., Samour, A., Adebayo, T. S., & Depren, S. K. (2023). Do nuclear energy and renewable energy surge environmental quality in the United States? New insights from novel bootstrap Fourier Granger causality in quantiles approach. Progress in Nuclear Energy, 155, 104509.
Mollah, A. S., Sattar, S., Hossain, M. A., Salahuddin, A. Z. M., & Ar-Rashid, H. (2015). Prospects of nuclear energy for sustainable energy development in Bangladesh. International Journal of Nuclear Energy Science and Engineering, 5, 28.
dos Santos, R. L. P., Rosa, L. P., Arouca, M. C., & Ribeiro, A. E. D. (2013). The importance of nuclear energy for the expansion of Brazil's electricity grid. Energy Policy, 60, 284-289.
Koo, B., Noguchi, K., Watanabe, F., Kubo, K., & Shibutani, T. (2025). Advanced nuclear technologies in modern energy systems: A comparative risk assessment in Japan. Energy Strategy Reviews, 57, 101632.
Luan, D., Yang, F., & Hafeez, M. (2024). Natural resources and nuclear energy development: Does political stability matter?. Nuclear Engineering and Technology, 103328.
Alsagr, N., Ozturk, I., & Usman, A. (2024). Digital government, political stability, and nuclear energy investment: The role of the Paris agreement. Nuclear Engineering and Technology, 103350.
Zheng, S., Sohail, S., Ozturk, I., Ullah, S., & Attar, R. W. (2024). How does geopolitical risk affect sustainable nuclear energy development?. Nuclear Engineering and Technology, 103230.
Ali, M., Samour, A., Soomro, S. A., Khalid, W., & Tursoy, T. (2025). A step towards a sustainable environment in top-10 nuclear energy consumer countries: The role of financial globalization and nuclear energy. Nuclear Engineering and Technology, 57(1), 103142.
Mallah, S. (2011). Nuclear energy option for energy security and sustainable development in India. Annals of Nuclear Energy, 38(2-3), 331-336.
Kosai, S., & Unesaki, H. (2024). Nuclear power, resilience, and energy security under a vulnerability-based approach. Cleaner Energy Systems, 7, 100107.
Pata, U. K., & Naimoglu, M. (2024). How renewable and nuclear energy-related research and development expenditures pave the way for curbing carbon emissions in France?. Energy & Environment, 0958305X241258798.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Mustafa Faisal Ghlaim, Asmaa Miran Hussein, Mustafa Fakhir Hussein, Haneen Hayder Jasim

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
The authors retain the copyright and grant this journal right of first publication. This license allows other people to freely share and adapt the work but must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. They may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses them or their use.







