International Studies Journal (ISJ)

International Studies Journal (ISJ)

Symbiosis of Nuclear Technology and the Environment with an Emphasis on International Law

Document Type : Original Article from Result of Thesis

Authors
Dariush Saki 1
Farid Azadbakht 2
Faramarz Amjadian 3
1 Ph.D. Student of International Law, Kermanshah Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor of International Law Dep. Kermanshah Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah, Iran.
3 Assistant Prof., Department of Law, Kermanshah Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah, Iran.
10.22034/isj.2024.325457.1736
Abstract
The nuclear technology project got off to an unfavorable start, as it was linked with military programs and atomic bombings. However, following the devastating events of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, there was a gradual shift toward recognizing the potential of this valuable energy source for peaceful and humanitarian uses. As such, the utilization of nuclear technology for the betterment of humanity gained prominence in the 1960s. This article employs a descriptive-analytical methodology to address the question of whether nuclear technology can be effectively harmonized with environmental considerations. It is argued that the symbiosis of nuclear technology and the environment is feasible, refuting the legal and logical justifications behind the restrictions imposed by nuclear-armed nations to prevent other countries from accessing nuclear energy under the guise of non-proliferation efforts. The findings of this study indicate that nuclear technology has contributed to significant advancements in various domains, including agriculture, medicine, and industry. For instance, nuclear medicine now plays a pivotal and decisive role in diagnosing and treating numerous diseases. Moreover, the applications of nuclear technology extend to electricity generation, the development of materials with exceptional properties, and the production of agricultural products resistant to pests and drought. These examples underscore the diverse and beneficial applications of nuclear technology in medicine, industry, and agriculture.

Highlights

Introduction

The peaceful utilization of nuclear technology has been endorsed and upheld by international law, which stems from fundamental principles enshrined in bilateral, regional, and international agreements. Meanwhile, there has been extensive discourse on the extent and nature of nuclear activities, particularly concerning nuclear security and international safeguards aimed at curbing the proliferation of nuclear weapons, which have garnered significant attention from the global community. International norms have thus been applied to all peaceful applications of nuclear energy, encompassing advancements in industry, agriculture, and medicine. Notable applications of nuclear energy include the use of radioisotopes for disease diagnosis and treatment, electricity generation, the development of materials with unique properties, and the production of agricultural products resistant to pests and drought. Additionally, activities such as uranium enrichment, reprocessing, and other sensitive nuclear fuel production processes have been subject to scrutiny. This article aims to address the question of whether nuclear technology can coexist symbiotically with the environment. It argues that the two seem to have symbiosis, highlighting that the objectives of nuclear energy utilization include the creation of a stable and sustainable energy supply, the application of atomic energy in industrial, medical, and agricultural sectors, the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, the protection of the environment, and the economic viability of nuclear power generation compared to alternative energy sources. Furthermore, legal support for the peaceful use of nuclear energy can be found in Article 4 of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and Article 3 of the Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which recognize the right of member states to employ nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Therefore, it is imperative to prioritize the nuclear energy sector, implement appropriate policies, and establish relevant regulations to foster scientific, technical, and legal advancements in the required technologies. This approach will not only enhance scientific and technical capabilities but also facilitate the development of necessary legal frameworks within the context of national and international rules.

 

Methods

This study employs legal descriptions and content analysis as the primary methods and tools for data analysis. The analysis is conducted through the lens of legal logic and doctrines to comprehensively understand and present the most informed perspectives, associated ambiguities. and the real position of nuclear technology.

 

Findings

The adverse environmental impacts that may be caused by nuclear technology have compelled the international community to exert significant efforts in prohibiting its non-peaceful application, particularly in the form of nuclear weapons. The monitoring of peaceful nuclear energy use and the mitigation of associated pollution have also been prioritized. The initial historical utilization of nuclear technology left a lasting negative impression on human consciousness. In 1945, the United States dropped nuclear bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, resulting in irreparable effects on the human and natural environment. Fortunately, there have been no instances of nuclear weapons being deployed since that catastrophic event. Despite numerous endeavors to establish comprehensive international legal frameworks governing nuclear activities and measures, the issue of using nuclear weapons remains primarily confined within the realm of military strategy. Consequently, international law has not yet furnished a definitive response to prohibit the use of these weapons.

 

Results

The symbiosis of nuclear technology and the human environment is indeed feasible through the peaceful and economic exploitation of nuclear science, which encompasses its diverse applications in various fields. These applications include electricity generation in nuclear power plants, advancements in medical and pharmaceutical industries, metal industries, and radiation technologies, as well as the storage and preservation of agricultural products and the inhibition of pest bacteria in food products. These applications are recognized as influential factors in the economic development of nations. However, it is important to acknowledge that some individuals hold the belief that nuclear technology solely brings about negative environmental consequences. They argue that even if there are some positive applications, they are inconsequential. This group contends that considering the potential dangers associated with nuclear waste and the risks of testing nuclear weapons, it is necessary to contemplate the cessation of various uses of this energy, even for peaceful purposes. Their rationale stems from incidents such as the Chernobyl disaster, which occurred during the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Nonetheless, there are grounds that lend support to the idea of using this technology for peaceful purposes so as to see its positive impacts on the human environment. This is in light of the wide-ranging positive effects of the peaceful utilization of nuclear energy, the depletion of fossil resources, adherence to the standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the regulation of these activities within the framework of established laws.

Keywords
Energy
Nuclear Technology
Peaceful
Environment
Symbiosis

Subjects

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