Over 20 nations call for tripling of nuclear energy

Nations ranging from US to Japan call for tripling of world nuclear energy capacity by 2050 to achieve net-zero emissions. Declaration endorsed by 20+ countries cites nuclear energy's "key role" in carbon neutrality. US envoy John Kerry: "Can't get to net zero 2050 without some nuclear." Environmental groups concerned about safety, waste disposal.

More than 20 countries called for the tripling of world nuclear energy capacity at U.N. climate talks on Saturday as part of efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

A declaration endorsed by nations ranging from the United States to Ghana to Japan and several European countries said nuclear energy plays a "key role" in reaching the goal of carbon neutrality.

The use of nuclear energy as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels is controversial as environmental groups are concerned about safety and the disposal of nuclear waste.

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"We are not making the argument to anybody that this is absolutely going to be a sweeping alternative to every other energy source," U.S. climate envoy John Kerry said at the COP28 conference in Dubai.

"But we know because the science and the reality of facts and evidence tell us that you can't get to net zero 2050 without some nuclear," he said.

"These are just scientific realities. No politics involved in this, no ideology involved in this."