The escalating climate crisis has propelled humanity toward an urgent search for sustainable power sources, making nuclear energy a prominent candidate in global discourse. Proponents champion its near-zero carbon emissions during operation, arguing that it offers reliable, high-density baseline power necessary to decarbonize industrial sectors rapidly. However, this optimistic view is significantly complicated by persistent concerns regarding long-term radioactive waste disposal and the inherent risk of catastrophic accidents. Critics rightly point out the multi-billion dollar costs associated with facility decommissioning and safe waste management, coupled with geopolitical anxieties surrounding nuclear proliferation. Therefore, while nuclear power presents a powerful technological tool for mitigating carbon emissions, its viability as a singular solution hinges critically on developing irreversible advancements in waste technology and establishing robust, internationally accountable regulatory frameworks.

According to the passage, what is the author's primary stance regarding nuclear energy's role in tackling climate change?

Question

The escalating climate crisis has propelled humanity toward an urgent search for sustainable power sources, making nuclear energy a prominent candidate in global discourse. Proponents champion its near-zero carbon emissions during operation, arguing that it offers reliable, high-density baseline power necessary to decarbonize industrial sectors rapidly. However, this optimistic view is significantly complicated by persistent concerns regarding long-term radioactive waste disposal and the inherent risk of catastrophic accidents. Critics rightly point out the multi-billion dollar costs associated with facility decommissioning and safe waste management, coupled with geopolitical anxieties surrounding nuclear proliferation. Therefore, while nuclear power presents a powerful technological tool for mitigating carbon emissions, its viability as a singular solution hinges critically on developing irreversible advancements in waste technology and establishing robust, internationally accountable regulatory frameworks.

According to the passage, what is the author's primary stance regarding nuclear energy's role in tackling climate change?

Accepted Answer

While possessing significant potential for decarbonization, nuclear energy's success depends on solving specific technological and governance challenges.. A is incorrect because the passage explicitly details significant counterarguments that prevent it from being called the 'sole' solution. B is incorrect because the author presents the risks as complications, not as absolute disqualifiers. C is correct because the passage balances the 'proponents' claim with the 'critics' points to conclude its success is conditional. D is incorrect because the passage remains focused specifically on analyzing the merits and drawbacks of nuclear power itself.