Yukiya Amano, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stressed the importance of scientific and technological advances for development during his opening statement at the IAEA’s General Conference in Vienna on Monday.
During his address, Amano spoke of the Sustainable Development Goals that will be undertaken by United Nations (UN) member states and how these relate to the work of the IAEA. The goals will be detailed further in a summit to be held Sept. 25-27 in New York City.
Amano said nuclear energy is an option that many countries are considering to face the challenge of eliminating carbon emissions while still providing necessary power supplies.
“Nuclear power is one of the lowest emitters of carbon dioxide among energy sources when emissions through entire life cycles are considered,” Amano said in his address. “Nuclear power has low environmental impact and leads to significant avoidance of greenhouse-gas emissions. I believe that appropriate consideration should be given to nuclear power in talks on climate-change mitigation.”
During the address, Amano also spoke of the road-map agreement between Iran and the IAEA and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action that was agreed upon by a group of world leaders and Iran to rein in its nuclear program.
