Earth Day is a reminder of the responsibility we all share to leave a cleaner, more sustainable world for the next generation. But it is also a reminder that environmental ambition must be matched by practical decisions about how we power our homes, businesses and public services.
Climate action and energy security are not competing priorities. They go hand in hand.
Recent years have shown the risks of relying too heavily on imported fossil fuels and volatile international markets. When global events drive up prices or disrupt supply, households feel it in their bills, businesses feel it in their costs, and governments feel it in the pressure on national resilience.
That is why clean power we can rely on matters so much.
Nuclear provides dependable, around-the-clock low-carbon electricity. It strengthens energy security, reduces exposure to gas price shocks and gives countries greater control over their own energy future. As electricity demand rises through electric vehicles, heat pumps, data centres and new industries, the need for firm clean power will only grow.
The UK is already taking important steps forward.
Hinkley Point C is creating thousands of jobs, investing in skills and supporting businesses across the country. Sizewell C will build on that momentum. The selection of Rolls-Royce SMR technology for deployment at Wylfa is another major step in delivering a new generation of British nuclear projects.
These projects matter not only for clean electricity, but for lower emissions, skilled jobs and long-term industrial capability.
The UK is not alone. Around the world, countries are extending the life of existing nuclear plants, building new capacity and launching programmes for the first time. According to the World Nuclear Association, around 35 countries are considering, planning or starting nuclear power programmes, while more than 85% of the global economy is now represented by countries supporting new nuclear.
That growing global momentum reflects a simple reality. If countries want secure power, lower emissions and stronger economies, nuclear has to be part of the mix.
The UK has world-class expertise, a strong supply chain and a major opportunity ahead. What matters now is delivery: progressing new projects, backing our existing fleet and creating the certainty needed to attract investment.
Earth Day should be about optimism as well as responsibility. We already have the technologies needed to cut emissions, strengthen energy security and leave a cleaner world for the next generation. Nuclear is one of them, and one the UK should back with confidence.
Tom Greatrex is the Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association
