LETTERS: There are debates about the adverse effects of nuclear energy, namely the possible proliferation of nuclear weapons or the consequences of nuclear accidents, such as that of Chernobyl in 1986 and Fukushima-Daiichi in 2011.
From an ecological perspective, the persistence of nuclear weapons stands out, together with climate change, as the two most significant and interconnected environmental crises globally.
While climate change is known to cause harsh weather, degrade natural resources, shift wildlife populations and affect social systems, nuclear weapons possess the capability of more serious destruction.
Nuclear tests conducted in the atmosphere, underground and underwater have been known to contaminate the environment with serious ecological and social consequences.
Nuclear war, even on a small scale, would kill humans and animals and destroy vegetation through heat and high levels of radioactivity.
Scientists say the spread of nuclear radiation around the globe could have far-reaching climate implications outweighing the impact of carbon emissions.
International concerns about the proliferation of nuclear weapons have led to the establishment of bilateral and multilateral treaties to prevent nuclear war and testing, while promoting nuclear disarmament.
The most recent is the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which was ratified by Malaysia in 2020. It aims to stop the nuclear peril.
Apart from the reinforcement of the humanitarian goal, one salient feature of the treaty is the remediation of environmental contamination.
In so doing, the treaty aims to prevent future consequences and to address harms that have occurred.
It might be too early to know how the treaty's obligations to remediate contaminated environments, assist victims or resolve disputes will be implemented.
However, to address ecological risks, an ecocentric approach could have been adopted so that environmental remediation would cover a wide range of harm, including biodiversity loss, environmental destruction, natural resources degradation, and displacement of human and wildlife habitats.
The treaty prohibits all nuclear weapon activities, including developing, testing, producing, possessing and using of nuclear weapons.
Nevertheless, peaceful use of nuclear energy is promoted by the treaty through the emphasis on the right of state parties to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination.
Malaysia advocates the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology.
This is being used in medical and healthcare, food, agriculture, industry, water and environment, energy, and safety and security, and has been an integral part of socio-economic growth.
Malaysia might consider nuclear to be a potential source of energy to produce clean and sustainable energy to address energy and climate change issues.
In tandem with advocating the ban on nuclear weapons, Malaysia should underline the advantages of nuclear as a safe, clean and effective technology for the country in accordance with sustainable development goals agenda.
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR MAIZATUN MUSTAFA
Coordinator
Climate Change Policy and Law Centre
Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws
International Islamic University Malaysia
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times