Topic: Future of Nuclear Power
Country: Germany
Delegate Name: Sara Leon
School: Ann Arbor Community High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Germany position papers GLIMUN 2011 committees
From its commencement at the end of the second world war, nuclear technology has been an issue of great importance for the United Nations. Its ability, as a source of energy, to aid the world in its pursuit to become more technologically advanced in a way that does not harm its physical make up – as do other energy technologies such as coal and gas – has been revolutionary. However, as we have learned from our experiences in Chernobyl in 1986 and now the ongoing disaster in Fukushima, using this technology comes with great responsibility.
The Federal Republic of Germany believes that when it comes to nuclear technology, safety and security should be the primary concern. If this energy source is to be used, then all of its potential for destruction must be taken into account and properly and thoroughly prepared for. The German government takes great care in abiding by the safety regulations set out in the Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS), as well as the rigorous safety standards put in place by our own laws in conjunction with the IRRS. However, recognizing that regulations could become more advantageous is important. With more advanced nuclear technologies being continuously introduced and the danger that natural disasters pose fresh our minds, the UNEP needs to make an effort to continuously strive to encompass any and all threats to the safety of the world’s people that may result from the use of nuclear power.
Because of the nature of nuclear technology, Germany believes it is best to look at it as a stepping stone towards future renewable technologies, and not as a final destination. As such, The Federal Republic of Germany has made efforts to ensure the end of nuclear power use within its borders by the year 2022 and replace it with “greener” energy sources.
Germany stands fully behind its decision to systematically end nuclear dependency within its borders. However, we understand that such an immediate end to nuclear power use in other countries – especially our neighbors France for whom this industry reaches further economically than our own – may take more time. As for states that are looking to begin the use of nuclear power, such as those in the Survey of Emerging Nuclear Energy States (SENES) study, Germany believes that encouraging them to pursue renewable technologies instead of their nuclear counterpart will, in the long run, be more beneficial.
From both a safety and ecological perspective nuclear power poses a threat to the well being of the world. The Federal Republic of Germany therefore believes that an end to the use of atomic energy is paramount. However, taking into account the current global climate, safety and security seems a more constructive pursuit. Germany hopes to work with the UNEP to increase the regulation, safety and security of nuclear power use and encourage prospective nuclear states to look towards the future by means of using other power sources.
